MONROVIA – The Plenary of the House of Representatives has unanimously ratified a US$57 million financing agreement aimed at strengthening Liberia’s renewable energy sector through the expansion of solar power generation and battery energy storage infrastructure at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The ratification followed rigorous legislative scrutiny and debate, during which lawmakers emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement to Liberia’s energy security, grid stability, and long-term power sector sustainability.
The House acted following the presentation of a report by its Joint Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Development Planning, which recommended approval of the financing agreement designed to increase installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity at Mount Coffee from 20 megawatts (MW) to 30MW.
The expansion is expected to complement ongoing hydropower generation while advancing Liberia’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on costly thermal power generation.
The project also includes the installation of a 12MW/12MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to improve grid ancillary services, enhance frequency regulation, support peak-load management, and strengthen the reliability of electricity dispatch across Liberia’s interconnected power system.
During deliberations held on the 16th day sitting of the second session of the third quarter of the 55th Legislature on Thursday, July 2, lawmakers noted that the investment is consistent with Liberia’s national energy policy objectives and the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) framework, which prioritizes renewable energy integration, system resilience, and cost-effective expansion of electricity generation.
The financing package further provides for the future expansion of hydropower generation capacity at Mount Coffee by an additional 42MW, a development legislators said will significantly improve the country’s baseload generation capacity and strengthen the national electricity supply.
Members of the House described the project as a major milestone in Liberia’s energy transition agenda, stressing that reliable and affordable electricity remains essential for industrialization, economic growth, investment promotion, and improved delivery of public services.
The Legislature also observed that the financing arrangement, supported by the World Bank Group and other development partners, demonstrates growing international confidence in Liberia’s ongoing energy sector reforms and governance framework.
With legislative ratification completed, the agreement is expected to proceed through the remaining constitutional processes before implementation begins, paving the way for accelerated infrastructure development and improved national grid performance.
In a related development, the House of Representatives has also passed a US$18M concessional financing agreement from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the Second Additional Financing of the Ganta–Zwedru Road Asset Management Project.
The decision followed the adoption of a report by the Joint Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Development Planning and Public Works and Road Development, which recommended expedited approval of the agreement, citing its national importance and the approaching effectiveness deadline.
The additional financing will support the upgrading of the Ganta–Saclepea and Saclepea–Zwedru road corridors, while also funding resettlement activities, road safety interventions, and institutional reforms intended to strengthen Liberia’s road infrastructure management system.
Following deliberations, Representative Gizzie K. Kollince of Lofa County Electoral District #4 moved that the House adopt the Joint Committee’s report and pass the Financing Agreement.
The motion was duly seconded and carried by the Plenary.
The House subsequently ordered that the Financing Agreement be transmitted to the Liberian Senate for concurrence in keeping with the constitutional process governing international financing agreements.
The Ganta–Zwedru Road Asset Management Project forms part of the Government of Liberia’s broader strategy to improve national road connectivity, strengthen road infrastructure management, facilitate trade, and expand access to economic opportunities and essential public services for communities along the Ganta–Zwedru corridor.
