By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone, November 4, 2024: President Julius Maada Bio reiterated his commitment to sustainable energy and climate resilience as he opened the 2024 National Dialogue on Climate Resilience and Energy Transition at the Bintumani International Conference Center in Freetown.
The conference which is organised by the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security with the theme, “From Commitment to Action,” brought together national and international partners to discuss strategies to achieve Sierra Leone’s ambitious goals in renewable energy and climate resilience.
The dialogue will address key issues such as long-term energy investments, access to modern energy cooking services, climate finance, off-grid energy solutions, mini-grids, and integrating food systems resilience with the ‘Feed Salone’ program. It builds on Sierra Leone’s inaugural Climate Resilience and Energy Transition Dialogue held in October 2023, which drew over 500 participants, including experts from around the world.
Building on the progress from last year’s dialogue, the 2024 event showcased the launch of the strategic plan for the Presidential Initiative on Climate Resilience and Energy Financing (PI-CREF). In addition, the Just Energy Transition and Green Growth Investment Plan (JET-P) and the National Clean Cooking Action Plan were unveiled, along with a new Climate Finance and Energy Innovation Hub.
President Bio emphasized Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to climate change and the critical need to mitigate its impacts.
He linked climate action to broader goals of energy access, food security, and economic stability, underscoring that these forces are deeply interconnected. His administration has a clear vision for transitioning Sierra Leone to a low-carbon economy with universal electricity access.
President Bio noted that his goal includes expanding grid generation capacity from 240 MW to 1 GW over the next decade, supplemented by additional mini grids to support agricultural and mining productivity.
The dialogue highlights the considerable progress made in structuring an institutional framework to reform the energy sector. This reform agenda aligns with the MCC-funded Energy Sector Roadmap and has mobilized partnerships to attract private-sector investment. During the event, several international partners committed to supporting energy sector reforms, revitalizing the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), and encouraging sector investments.
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, underscored the importance of data-driven strategies to shape the future of Sierra Leone’s energy sector.
Deputy Minister of Energy Dr. Eldred Taylor described the energy sector as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, though constrained by low access to reliable electricity, which hampers development efforts.
Dr. Taylor emphasized that the dialogue is a vital platform for stakeholders to collaborate on innovative solutions.
The National Dialogue reflects President Bio’s commitment to addressing Sierra Leone’s energy challenges while building a sustainable and resilient future. The government’s long-term ambitions aim to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans through sustainable energy initiatives.