What are the challenges to energy access in Liberia?

The primary challenge to energy access in Liberia is the limited and underdeveloped energy infrastructure. The lack of adequate power generation, transmission, and distribution systems contributes to this low access rate. The electrification rate is significantly lower in rural areas, where most of the population resides .

What are the main energy sources in Liberia?

The primary energy sources in Liberia are traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal, which account for more than 80 % of the country's total energy consumption [5, 12, 13]. Petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel, account for about 10 % of energy consumption, while hydroelectric power accounts for just over 6 % .

Why are thermal power plants important in Liberia?

Thermal power plants have been important to Liberia's electricity generation infrastructure. These plants utilize heavy fuel oil (HFO), diesel, or other liquid fuels as their primary energy source to produce electricity. The reliance on imported fuels for thermal power generation poses several challenges for Liberia [6, 17].

Will Liberia get a 20 MW power supply in 2020?

In addition, the government signed a Power Purchase Agreement with a solar energy company to provide the country ≥20 MW of electricity in 2020 . Despite these efforts, much work remains to be done to improve access to reliable and affordable energy in Liberia.

How much energy does Liberia produce a year?

Liberia also has abundant biomass resources, with estimates suggesting that the government can produce up to 27,452 GWh of electricity from biomass annually . Expanding these resources can provide sustainable and decentralized energy solutions, particularly in rural and remote areas.

How much solar power does Liberia have?

According to estimates by the World Bank Group, Liberia has a solar potential of ∼5.4 kWh/m2 per day, with up to 6.5 h of sunshine per day on average . Similarly, Liberia has considerable hydroelectric power potential due to its numerous rivers and other resources.