Paliamentary Oversight Committee on Energy Inspects Newton Solar PV Plant and Black Hall Road Power Station
On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Energy, chaired by Hon. Keikura C. Vandy, conducted an inspection of two critical energy facilities: the Newton Solar PV Plant and the Black Hall Road Power Station. This inspection was part of the Committee’s ongoing efforts to evaluate the challenges, successes, and operational status of Sierra Leone’s energy sector, with the goal of providing informed recommendations to the government.
Hon. Vandy and the Committee Members were joined by several key figures from the energy sector, including Deputy Minister II of Energy, Ing. Edmond Benjamin Nonie, Director General of the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), Ing. Milton Gebai, and Head of Renewable Energy, Ing. Mohamed Marrah. Their presence underscored the significance of the oversight tour and the collaborative approach to addressing Sierra Leone’s energy needs.
The Committee’s visit to the Newton Solar PV Plant marked their first inspection of this facility, which is a 6-megawatt solar station—the largest of its kind in Sierra Leone. Completed in 2021, the Newton Solar project represents a major step forward in the country’s renewable energy efforts. The Committee observed that the plant’s installed capacity during the rainy season is 4.3 megawatts, with potential for higher output during sunnier periods. The facility includes office space, substations for power collection, retention, and transfer, as well as areas for spare parts and tools. It also integrates power from Bumbuna to Freetown.
During the inspection, EGTC’s Director General, Ing. Milton Gebai, highlighted ongoing challenges related to faulty inverters and batteries at the solar plant. However, he noted that the government is actively working to address these issues. The Committee also learned that while the Newton community benefits from the plant’s power supply during the day, there is currently no provision for nighttime electricity.
The Committee’s inspection continued at the Black Hall Road Power Station, where they observed two auxiliary plants with a combined capacity of 16 megawatts. These machines, installed in 2010, play a crucial role in stabilizing the power distribution network in the eastern parts of Freetown and extending to Waterloo and the Peninsula communities. However, the Committee found that the machines are not currently operational and require significant maintenance. Despite not being in use, the machines still demand regular attention from engineers to prevent further deterioration.
Throughout the tour, Deputy Minister Ing. Edmond Benjamin Nonie reassured the Committee of the government’s dedication to improving power generation in Sierra Leone. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources and the importance of support from international partners like the World Bank. The Minister also revealed that similar, but larger, renewable energy projects are in development to bolster electricity supply in Freetown and Lungi.
At the conclusion of the oversight tour, Chairman Hon. Keikura C. Vandy reiterated the Committee’s commitment to thoroughly evaluating the energy sector. The findings from the inspection will be compiled into a comprehensive report, which will be presented to Parliament for further consideration. This report is expected to inform future policies and investments aimed at overcoming the electricity challenges facing Sierra Leone.
The inspection highlighted both the progress and the hurdles within Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure, underscoring the need for continued investment, maintenance, and innovation to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for all citizens.
