The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has put out a press statement on Sunday September 6, 2020, notifying the public that the Karpowership two (KPS 2), anchored at Cline Town shall depart the shores of Freetown on September 11, 2020, in accordance with the terms of the contract between the Turkish Power Company, one of the world’s largest operators of floating power plants, and the Government of Sierra Leone.
EDSA in their statement said that the KPS 2 was contracted because of the challenges the Authority was facing in their quest to transferred more power from the Kingtom 161 substation to Blackhall Road substation for onward supply of electricity to residents in the East of Freetown.
“The public should however note that the problem associated with the evacuation of more power from Kingtom to Blackhall Road has been resolved. Against this backdrop, the Authority would like to assure the public that the departure of KPS2 will not in any way cause any interruption to the smooth supply of electricity in the capital,” EDSA said in their statement.
According to the press statement, Karpowership one (KPS1) and the Bumbuna Hydro Dam would be in full operation with a view to harmonize the demand of electricity.
Recently, Karpowership has agreed a 5-year deal to provide electricity to Sierra Leone’s state power utility.
During the dry season, Karpowership supplies around 80 percent of Sierra Leone’s electricity via two power ships anchored off the capital Freetown under a contract signed in 2018.
The vessels are dual-fuel powered using either heavy fuel oil or liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The new agreement will add 5 megawatts (MW) to current production. Karpowership will generate an average of 63 MW during the dry season and 23 MW during the wet season for Sierra Leone’s Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority.
Karpowership did not release financial details of the deal.
With an electrification rate of just over 5%, Sierra Leone’s current generation capacity falls well short of the needs of its 7 million citizens.
By George M.O. Williams
08/09/2020. ISSUE NO: 7904