Energy

Sierra Leone urgently needs more power (IMAGE SOURCE: Adobe Stock)

A waste-to-energy project in Sierra Leone has received a cash boost after securing investment from a major development finance partner

Climate Fund Managers (CFM), a climate-focused investment group, will invest US$3.1mn in the transformative Freetown projectFreetown, which is being put together by Infinitum Energy.

The 30MW facility will convert 365,000 tonnes of waste a year into 236.5 GWh of electricity and help to address Sierra Leone’s waste management and energy access challenges, providing energy to over three million people.

The power will be supplied to the national grid under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Sierra Leone’s Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), which is currently being finalised.

Structured under an Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, the initiative also demonstrates the West African country’s commitment to becoming a more welcoming place for energy investments.

“By leveraging proven technology and a robust public-private partnership model, we are addressing two critical issues facing Freetown: waste management and reliable energy access. Together, we are demonstrating what is possible when private sector innovation and government collaboration come together to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future for Sierra Leone,” said Lindsay Nagle, CEO of Infinitum Energy.

Infinitum describes itself as a climate infrastructure company specialising in the development of clean energy projects in emerging markets, with a focus on solar, wind and waste-to-energy.

Its current development-stage projects are located in Sierra Leone and Sri Lanka, with teams also exploring other projects in Uganda and other territories outside Africa.

For CFM, the Sierra Leone project also helps contribute to the nation’s long-term climate and development goals, avoiding 94,000 tonnes of CO2 emission annually.

The funding comes from its EU-supported Climate Investor Two Fund, a blended finance facility focused on water and waste infrastructure in emerging markets.

“This waste-to-energy project exemplifies our commitment to creating scalable solutions that address climate, social, and economic challenges in Africa,” said Darron Johnson, regional head of Africa at CFM.

“By transforming Freetown’s waste into a sustainable energy source, we’re not only reducing emissions but also catalysing economic opportunities and improving community health.”

He added: “This partnership underscores the importance of blended finance to absorb early-stage project risks and develop innovative infrastructure solutions in emerging markets.”

Sierra Leone faces severe waste management challenges driven by rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure.

Overwhelmed dumpsites like Kingtom and Kissy, established in the 1940s and 1980s, have led to the emergence of numerous illegal dumpsites.

Together, these sites contribute to acute health risks, clogged waterways with heightened flood risks and the release of hazardous materials into the environment.

Meanwhile, only 22% of the population has access to electricity, up to 40% of which is generated from fossil fuels, leaving millions without reliable power.

The new waste-to-energy plant will provide baseload power, complementing the country’s existing hydropower supply and addressing energy shortages during the dry season.

The waste-to-energy project is also expected to create around 250 direct jobs and support a further 1,500 jobs in the local waste management value chain.

CFM said in a statement that the funding will support detailed waste studies, permitting and early-stage works, accelerating the path to financial close for construction.

On successful completion of the development of the project and subject to obtaining required investment approvals, Climate Investor Two will have the right to fund up to 75% of the required construction equity funding for the project, it added.

Read more: 

Infinity Power makes 1GW energy commitment in Sierra Leone

Baoma-1 to be Sierra Leone's first independent power project

Kibo Energy inks 10-year clean energy PPA on South Africa waste-to-energy project

Scatec completes the sale of its 51% stake in African hydropower projects to TotalEnergies, aligning with its strategic focus. (Image source: Scatec)

Scatec ASA has completed the sale of its 51% stake in its African hydropower joint venture with Norfund and British International Investment (BII), aligning with its strategic direction

This follows the initial announcement in a stock exchange notice on 30 July 2024.

The deal closed at an agreed price of US$167mn, based on a valuation date of 31 December 2023. After adjusting for cash movements between the valuation and closing dates, the net proceeds are estimated at US$161mn. These funds will be allocated to Scatec’s self-funded growth strategy and corporate debt reduction.

Hydropower asset sold 

The transaction includes the operational 255 MW Bujagali hydropower plant in Uganda, as well as a development portfolio featuring the 361 MW Mpatamanga project in Malawi and the 206 MW Ruzizi III project, spanning Rwanda, the DRC, and Burundi. Additionally, as part of the agreement, the Hydro Africa team will transition to TotalEnergies under the newly formed entity SN Power AS.

Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog stated, “We are pleased with closing the transaction to sell our stake in the African hydropower assets to TotalEnergies. The divestment is in line with our strategy to optimise our portfolio and focus the majority of our investments in our core markets and on solar, onshore wind and battery energy storage. We are confident that TotalEnergies will be a strong owner going forward. I would especially like to thank the hydropower team that now moves to TotalEnergies for their hard work and dedication over the years.”

The sale has resulted in a proportionate accounting effect of approximately US$30mn and a consolidated effect of around US$50mn, primarily influenced by foreign currency fluctuations. These impacts will be recorded in Scatec’s financial results for the first quarter of 2025.

AMEA Power breaks ground on a 50MW solar plant in Ivory Coast, set to power 358,000 homes and cut 52,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. (Image source: AMEA Power)

AMEA Power, a rapidly expanding renewable energy company in the region, has officially commenced construction on a 50MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Ivory Coast

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on 27 February 2025, was attended by Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, Ivory Coast’s minister of mines, oil, and energy, along with AMEA Power’s chief financial officer, David Falcon.

What can AMEA Power deliver?

Located in Bondoukou, within the north-eastern Gontougo region, the Bondoukou Solar PV Plant will produce 85 GWh of clean electricity annually. This output is sufficient to power approximately 358,000 households while reducing CO₂ emissions by over 52,000 tonnes. The project is managed by AMEA Goutougo, a fully owned subsidiary of AMEA Power registered in Ivory Coast.

With a total investment of US$60mn, the project is being financed by FMO and DEG. It aligns with Ivory Coast’s national strategy to increase renewable energy’s share in the electricity mix to 45% by 2030.

Hussain Al Nowais, chairman of AMEA Power, stated, “Today, we turn vision into reality. The 50MW solar plant is a landmark achievement for Ivory Coast and a testament to AMEA Power’s dedication to delivering clean energy solutions across Africa. This groundbreaking ceremony is an important symbol of partnership, we are proud to partner with the government and the people of Ivory Coast on this transformative journey.”

Once operational, the Bondoukou Solar PV Plant will be AMEA Power’s first active project in Ivory Coast. The company is also advancing plans for an additional 50MW solar PV installation in the country.

Beyond energy production, AMEA Power remains committed to socio-economic development. Through its Community Investment and Development Programmes, the company will engage with local communities, launching initiatives focused on gender equality, education, and skills training to ensure lasting positive change.

Read more: Time to accelerate off-grid renewables in Africa

Time to accelerate off-grid renewables (IMAGE SOURCE: Adobe Stock)

Expanding off-grid renewables will be essential to bring electricity to remote homes across sub-Saharan Africa, says the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena)

In an update — timed to concede with SADC Sustainable Energy Week in Botswana this week — Irena called last year’s COP28 UAE consensus a ‘turning point’ in the global energy transition, committing to triple installed renewable energy capacity to 11.2 terawatts and double the global rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.

It noted that off-grid renewables will be integral to this goal, especially in developing regions of Africa.

“They not only contribute to renewable energy capacity and enhance energy efficiency at the local level, but are also uniquely positioned to expand electricity access and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in rural and remote communities,” the update stated.

In the global context, this will be essential to sub-Saharan Africa especially.

While the number of people that lack access to electricity dropped from 1 billion in 2014 to 685 million in 2022, Irena noted that the gains in global electricity access has almost flatlined since 2018, particularly in remote and rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

This has led the region to now account for 83% of the global access deficit — a “concerning” increase from 50% in 2010.

“This is where off-grid renewables can play a significant role,” it noted.

“Off-grid renewable energy solutions like solar home systems and mini-grids have emerged as lifelines for remote, last-mile communities, bringing electricity access to low-income households in underserved areas. These systems have enabled essential services and powering rural economies, benefiting 155 million people in 2023.”

Although small in scale, their socioeconomic and environmental impacts can be profound, Irena added, unlocking socio-economic benefits and contributing to multiple SDGs.

Benefits include improved healthcare delivery, increased access to clean water and sanitation, and education, allowing students in remote areas to extend study hours because of better lighting and electricity.

The Abu Dhabi-based agency called for an acceleration in efforts to roll-out off-grid renewables across the continent.

“Given the role they play in climate and development goals in rural areas, off-grid renewables deployment efforts in developing countries should be accelerated, underpinned by strong international cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnerships, which Irena has been advocating for,” it stated.

It identified key ways to do this such as integrating off-grid renewables into national and regional electrification strategies and plans, introducing supportive policies and regulations, and nurturing the development of local manufacturing and assembling supply chains.

In support of the scale-up of off-grid renewables, Irena provides technical platforms, establishes multilateral partnerships and facilitates knowledge-sharing — including through its biennial International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC), which is timed this year with SADC Sustainable Energy Week, taking place from 24-28 February 2025.

This year’s IOREC in Botswana explores ways to scale up off-grid solutions to advance sustainable growth and development in Africa and beyond.