How can Liberia improve energy reliability?

As exemplified by Liberia's import initiatives, regional energy cooperation should be considered to bolster energy reliability. Engineers are advised to optimize energy mixes, incorporating wind, biomass, and solar energy into existing grids, and developing mini-grid initiatives for rural areas to address energy access challenges.

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 .

How can Liberia expand energy access?

These resources hold immense potential, with Liberia boasting abundant solar irradiation and promising bioenergy in specific regions. Efforts to expand energy access also hinge on vital factors such as international partnerships, public-private collaborations, and innovative off-grid and mini-grid solutions.

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 % .

What is Liberia's energy mix?

Our findings indicate that Liberia's energy mix is historically dominated by traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal, accounting for more than 80 % of the country's total energy consumption.

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.