Powering Liberia Now and for the Future: Government Advances 100MW Immediate Solution and Secures 300MW Transformational Energy Project

Monrovia, Liberia / Washington, D.C., March 30, 2026 — The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), is implementing a comprehensive and results-driven energy strategy to address current electricity shortages while securing long-term energy stability.

This approach combines an immediate 100-megawatt (MW) thermal power solution with a transformational 300MW combined cycle gas power project in Buchanan, alongside the ongoing development of two major hydropower projects: the St. Paul 2 Hydropower Project (approximately 250MW) - an intergenerational and inter-regime national initiative being advanced in partnership with leading multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, European Investment Bank, etc. And the St. John Hydropower Project (approximately 316MW), which is being developed by a private sector partner in collaboration with the Government of Liberia.

This coordinated approach reflects a clear national commitment aligned with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s State of the Nation Address, in which he set a bold target of achieving 700 megawatts of installed generation capacity by 2030 to stabilize power supply in the short term and sustainably resolve Liberia’s energy constraints in the medium to long term.

While the 100MW Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) plant, being advanced in partnership with private sector stakeholders including MNG Mining Company, is targeted for delivery within 12 months to address the next dry season, the 300MW gas project, valued at approximately US$500 million, will anchor Liberia’s future energy security and significantly reduce reliance on imports.

In furtherance of this long-term vision, LEC has signed a term sheet in Washington, D.C. with Tarpeh Global Initiative (TGI), with technical partnership from Southern Company; one of the United States’ most experienced and respected power producers, marking a major milestone in Liberia’s transition toward reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.

At a time when the power sector continues to face constraints, particularly during the dry season, the Government is pursuing a deliberate strategy to optimize domestic generation, diversify the energy mix, and strengthen national energy security. The Buchanan gas project is a central pillar of this strategy and is expected to significantly stabilize electricity supply upon completion.

“This is about restoring confidence and building a future where electricity is no longer a constraint to national development,” said Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif. “We are taking decisive steps today to ensure that, in the medium to long term, Liberia will have the reliable power it needs to grow its economy, support businesses, and improve the quality of life for all Liberians.”

Addressing Today’s Challenges While Building Tomorrow’s Solutions

The Government of Liberia recognizes the real and immediate hardships that electricity shortages are placing on households and businesses across the country. While advancing long-term investments such as the Buchanan gas project and major hydropower developments, urgent steps are also being taken to address near-term supply gaps.

In this regard, the Government, through LEC, is actively engaging private sector partners; including MNG Mining Company, to develop and deploy a 100-megawatt Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) power plant, targeted for implementation within 12 months. This fast-track solution is specifically designed to mitigate the anticipated supply-demand gap during the next dry season and provide critical stability to the grid.

This dual-track approach, delivering immediate relief while building sustainable long-term infrastructure, underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no Liberian is left behind during this transition.

The term sheet for the Buchanan project was signed in Washington, D.C., following a structured and transparent engagement process led by LEC, in coordination with key Government institutions including the Offices of the President, Vice President, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and National Investment Commission.

Jeff Blibo, Chairman of the National Investment Commission, emphasized the broader national significance of the initiative: He adds, “This agreement sends a strong signal that Liberia is open for credible, large-scale investment. We are working deliberately to attract partners who bring not only capital, but long-term value, technology, and confidence in our economy. The energy sector is central to unlocking growth, and this project represents a major step in that direction.”

Bedell Sandi, Special Presidential Envoy for Strategic Engagement, underscored the Government’s commitment to delivering results for the Liberian people: “This is about delivering tangible outcomes for our citizens. We understand the challenges people are facing today, and we are acting with urgency while keeping our eyes on long-term transformation. The combination of immediate and strategic investments reflects a Government that is fully engaged and focused on solutions.”

Isaac Taggart, Special Envoy on Trade and Investment to the United States at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the international dimension of the partnership: “This milestone demonstrates Liberia’s growing credibility on the global stage. Through sustained engagement with international partners and investors, we are positioning Liberia as a destination for strategic, high-impact investments. This project reflects the confidence of global partners in Liberia’s reform agenda and long-term economic potential.”

The process focused on identifying credible partners capable of delivering large-scale, bankable energy infrastructure aligned with Liberia’s national priorities.

TGI, a U.S.-based energy and infrastructure development firm led by Liberian-born CEO James T. Tarpeh II, brings together a consortium of global partners, including Nebula Energy and Southern Company as Technical Partner, ensuring world-class technical expertise and project execution standards.

The development of the project has been guided by rigorous technical collaboration. In November 2025, TGI conducted an advance mission to Liberia, including site validation, infrastructure assessments, and engagement with LEC’s engineering teams. These efforts confirmed Buchanan as the optimal location, given its strategic position within the national grid and proximity to key infrastructure.

Beyond expanding generation capacity, the project is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation, generating hundreds of jobs during construction and creating long-term employment opportunities in plant operations and support services. TGI and its partners are committed to local capacity development, including partnerships with universities, technical institutions, and Liberian businesses to support skills transfer and workforce development.

“This project is about more than electricity; it is about unlocking Liberia’s economic potential,” said James T. Tarpeh II. “Together with LEC and the Government of Liberia, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future.”

The term sheet provides a clear pathway to the next phase of development, with the Parties moving expeditiously toward the negotiation and execution of a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), while concurrently advancing detailed technical, financial, and environmental studies to support bankability and implementation.

Commercial operation is targeted for the end of 2029, positioning the project as a cornerstone of Liberia’s medium- to long-term energy transformation agenda.

A Message to the Liberian People

The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), fully acknowledges the current electricity challenges being experienced across the country and remains firmly committed to addressing them with urgency, transparency, and resolve.

The actions underway today reflect a clear and deliberate strategy: to stabilize electricity supply in the immediate term while building a modern, resilient, and self-sufficient energy system for the future. The fast-track 100MW HFO solution will help ease near-term pressures, while the 300MW Buchanan gas project, together with the St. Paul 2 and St. John hydropower projects, represents a lasting transformation of Liberia’s power sector and contributes directly to achieving the national 700MW capacity target.

“This is a turning point for Liberia’s energy sector,” said Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif. “We are not only responding to today’s challenges; we are building a future where reliable electricity is no longer a privilege, but a guarantee for every Liberian.”

Through these combined efforts, alongside ongoing investments in transmission expansion, smart metering, and system modernization, the Government is laying the foundation for:

  • Reliable and consistent electricity supply
  • A stronger and more competitive economy
  • Improved quality of life for all Liberians

The Government calls on the public to remain confident and supportive, and to exercise patience as these critical interventions are implemented, while we work with urgency and accountability to deliver tangible improvements in electricity supply.

The path to reliable electricity is clear. The work is underway. And the future is within reach.

For further inquiries or additional information, kindly contact the Media, Communications and Public Affairs Division of the Liberia Electricity Corporation. 

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