Liberia: World Bank Country Manager Calls for Harnessing Liberia’s Natural Resources for a Brighter Future

Liberia: World Bank Country Manager Calls for Harnessing Liberia’s Natural Resources for a Brighter Future

The Respite Solar Project represents Liberia’s first utility-scale solar PV plant and aims to provide affordable, reliable, clean energy to the populace.

Monrovia—Georgia Wallen, the Country Manager of the World Bank in Liberia, has emphasized the need to harness the country’s natural resources to secure a brighter economic future for Liberia. 

By: Perry B. Zordyu, contributing writer

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During the groundbreaking ceremony of the Respite Solar Project over the weekend, Wallen stressed the importance of integrating these resources to achieve the mission of eradicating extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity.

“It’s not just about harnessing natural resources and building energy infrastructure,” Wallen stated, adding, “These efforts are integral to our mission of creating a livable planet for future generations.”

She commended the Liberian government for its strong leadership and commitment to renewable energy, particularly recognizing the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Liberia Electricity Corporation, and the RESPITE project team for their dedication. 

The Respite Solar Project represents Liberia’s first utility-scale solar PV plant and aims to provide affordable, reliable, clean energy to the populace. 

“This project marks a significant step towards realizing the aspirations of the Liberian people for energy independence,” Wallen remarked.

Located at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Station, the solar PV plant will utilize existing land and infrastructure, maximizing benefits while managing potential risks. 

According to Wallen, the hybrid model will address the persistent dry season energy demand by complementing hydropower with low-cost solar resources, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and capacity while reducing dependence on costly thermal generation.

The World Bank Liberia Country Manager underscored the urgency of meeting the 2030 target date for Liberia’s energy objectives. 

“Through this project, we are establishing a foundation for future solar projects that will power homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses across Liberia,” she noted. “This is a catalyst for sustainable growth and closing the energy access gap.”

Furthermore, Wallen announced plans for increasing the country’s solar capacity by an additional 70MW, which can be bolstered through private sector investment. 

“I am pleased to share that approximately USD 2 million in grant funding will be available under the World Bank-funded LESSAP project. This funding will engage a transaction advisor for solar Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and support feasibility studies and environmental assessments for private sector solar initiatives,” she added.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Respite Solar Project signifies a collective push toward greater responsibilities and the alignment of resources, expertise, and efforts for a common goal of fostering sustainable energy development in Liberia.

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