The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has signed an agreement with Scatec Release for the construction of a 23.75 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power plant coupled with 10 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage at the LEC Shefflin site in Margibi County. The project is expected to be completed within 64 weeks and marks a critical step in Liberia’s transition toward clean, reliable, and sustainable energy. The agreement was signed Wednesday, October 14, 2025 at the headquarters of the World Bank's private sector institution, the International Finance Corpiration (IFC), in Washington DC., in the presence of key stakeholders, including officials from IFC, the Government of Liberia, and offficials of Scatec Release.
Signing on behalf of Liberia were Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, and Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif, Managing Director of LEC. Mr. Hans Olav Kvalvaag, CEO of Scatec Release, signed on behalf of Scatec. Minister Ngafuan expressed the Government’s deep appreciation to the partners who made the project possible: “On behalf of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and the Government and people of Liberia, I extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Scatec Release, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), the IFC and the sector lead-the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) along with their dedicated teams, for working collaboratively to make this milestone possible.”
Minister Ngafuan emphasized the strategic role of energy in Liberia’s national development, particularly under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving 75% electricity access by 2030, as outlined in the Liberia Energy Compact, developed in partnership with the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and other key stakeholders. “It is an ambitious goal, and we are stretching ourselves to the limit to meet it,” he said. “But we are not doing it alone. We are fortunate to have committed partners—and dynamic leadership at LEC. I want to especially commend Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif and his team for bringing renewed energy and focus to this effort.” The Minister also noted that improved electricity access is essential for economic transformation.
“With projects like this solar and battery storage initiative, we are helping businesses not just survive but thrive and improve their profits.”“Lights are being turned on in Rivercess, Grand Kru, and other counties that have gone without electricity for decades. This proves that we are not spending allnour time cursing the darkness but are lighting the candle." LEC Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif described the agreement as a defining moment in Liberia’s energy journey: “Today’s signing represents far more than a commercial transaction; it is a defining step in Liberia’s pursuit of energy sovereignty a future where our nation generates, manages, and sustains its own power with resilience and dignity.” Mr. Sherif explained that the project will be executed under a lease-to-own model, enabling LEC to increase generation capacity without significant upfront capital expenditure while ensuring eventual ownership by the Liberian people.
“This project aligns directly with the LEC Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which is anchored on five core pillars: Financial Sustainability, Operational Excellence, Customer-Centric Service, Governance and Institutional Effectiveness, and Digital Transformation. As we sign this agreement, we are not merely adding megawatts to the grid; we are illuminating homes, powering industries, and fueling Liberia’s next chapter of inclusive growth.” Hans Olav Kvalvaag, CEO of Release by Scatec, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s energy development goals. “Today marks a very important step for Liberia’s energy sector as we sign this agreement between the Government of Liberia and Scatec. This milestone shows a strong commitment to advancing clean and reliable energy solutions for the country.
I’m very pleased to support this process. We remain committed to more private sector initiatives in Liberia’s energy future.” Also present at the signing were: Hon. Wilmot J.M. Paye, Minister of Mines and Energy, Hon. Roland Lafayette Giddings, Minister of Public Works, and Hon. Nyekeh Forkpa, Deputy Minister of Education. This landmark solar power initiative marks a key moment in Liberia’s drive to expand access, promote energy independence, and attract private sector investment in the energy sector.
