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 % .

How does Liberia import electricity?

3.2. Imported electricity Liberia imports electricity from neighboring Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea through the West African Power Pool (WAPP) interconnection , which involved 650 km of 225 kV transmission lines , with a transit capacity of ≤290 MW – making it the largest source of imported electricity for the country in 2020.

How does Liberia use petroleum products?

Petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel, contribute a significant to Liberia's energy consumption. These fuels are primarily used in transportation, power generation from small diesel and gasoline generators and industrial applications. Liberia is a net importer of petroleum products, relying on imports to meet its energy needs.

How can Liberia reduce its dependency on imported fuels?

To overcome these challenges, Liberia has been exploring alternative solutions to reduce its dependency on imported fuels for thermal power generation. One strategy is to diversify the energy mix by increasing the share of domestic renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, for electricity generation.

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].