Infinity Power to Develop 1 GW Renewable Energy Project in Sierra Leone

Infinity Power, an Egyptian renewable energy solutions provider, has taken a significant step towards fulfilling its agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone to develop 1 GW of renewable energy capacity.

As per the reports, the company recently conducted a series of crucial feasibility studies to assess the viability of installing 80 MW of ground-mounted solar and 60 MW of floating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, complemented by battery storage solutions, across the country.

The feasibility study team, which included solar engineers and key business development experts, spent two days at the Bumbuna Hydro Power site, the designated location for the proposed installations. This site was identified as the most suitable for the renewable energy project. The study also focused on critical factors such as land availability for solar PV installations and the potential for integrating floating solar panels near the river.

Infinity Power’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions was reaffirmed during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony in July 2023 at Sierra Leone’s State House. Ahmed Mulla, Deputy CEO of Infinity Power, underscored the company’s dedication to addressing the country’s energy challenges and supporting its long-term sustainable development goals.

During the site visit, representatives from Sierra Leone’s energy sector participated, including Dr. Abdul Rahim Jalloh, MCC Unit Coordinator, and Dr. Edmund Wuseni, General Projects Coordinator from the Ministry of Energy, as well as officials from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC).

The team, led by Anthony Kamara, Director of Partnerships, Communications, and Outreach at the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF), emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving Sierra Leone's energy goals. Kamara’s team, representing Chairman Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, highlighted the role of strong partnerships between public and private entities in delivering sustainable energy solutions for the country.

Gamal Osman, Senior Solar Design Manager at Infinity Power, expressed optimism about the project's potential. "We now have sufficient information to draft a preliminary proposal, which includes the ability to connect to the CLSG substation, land availability for solar PV installations, and the feasibility of floating solar installations near the river," he said.

Isma Ndiaye, West Africa Business Development Manager at Infinity Power, emphasised the value of the site visit. "These two days on the ground provided us with clarity and answers that photographs could not," Ndiaye stated.

PI-CREF’s Kamara also noted the significance of the strong partnership required to move the project forward. “The presence of seasoned experts from the Ministry of Energy, EDSA, and EGTC underscores the critical collaboration needed to achieve President Bio’s vision for the energy sector,” he said.

In an effort to bolster Sierra Leone’s renewable energy ambitions, Chairman Yumkella is currently in Turkey engaging with Karpowership officials. He is also set to meet with Infinity Power’s leadership in Abu Dhabi following discussions in Istanbul. Yumkella is leading the Sierra Leonean delegation at the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) General Assembly, further demonstrating the government's commitment to sustainable energy development.