The Sierra Leone parliament has ratified the documents of the Bumbuna II hydropower project, which, once completed, is expected to provide all-year round power to the West African country
The government of Sierra Leone signed the 25-year power purchase and implementation agreements with Joule Africa in August 2017.
Under the conditions of the agreement, local project company Seli Hydropower will build an extension to the existing 50MW hydro station at Bumbuna I that is situated in the north-east of the country, adding a further 143MW of power capacity.
Construction on the extension is anticipated to start in the second half of 2018, with operations forecast to start four years later. Seli Hydropower will be responsible for building, owning and operating Bumbuna II and will also be responsible for operating Bumbuna I.
Commenting on this announcement, Patrick Beckley, chairman of Seli Hydropower, said that the development of Bumbuna II has always been an important part of the country’s long-term energy strategy.
“We look forward to being able to deliver affordable, all-year round power for the consumers of Sierra Leone,” Beckley added.
The Bumbuna II hydropower project is Sierra Leone’s one of the largest infrastructure projects and is a major part of the country’s long term energy plan. The project will be located 200km from Freetown on the Upper Seli River in North East Sierra Leone. When complete, Bumbuna II is expected to provide Sierra Leone with a minimum of 80MW of reliable, all-year round affordable electricity.
