Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), hosted a farewell meeting with the outgoing German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Jens Kraus-Masse, at the Electricity House.
The meeting marked the end of the Ambassador’s tenure and notably reflects the collaborative efforts in the energy sector.
Ambassador Kraus-Masse expressed gratitude for the strong working relationship he established with Dr. Yumkella and his team. He commended the significant progress Sierra Leone has made in expanding access to renewable energy and revitalizing essential infrastructure.
“Sierra Leone is making commendable progress, especially in energy generation,” he stated, pointing out the government’s success in bringing the MCC compact back on track.
The Ambassador affirmed the importance of continued investment in renewable energy and called for structural reforms at the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). He emphasized, “There must be measures in place to enable EDSA to pay Independent Power Producers (IPPs) promptly, including the smaller ones. Solar and hydro are a good combination for Sierra Leone’s energy future.”
In response, Dr. Yumkella thanked Ambassador Kraus-Masse and the German government for their ongoing support across various development sectors, particularly in energy. He acknowledged the contributions of German experts at PI-CREF, who have been instrumental in advancing energy projects.
Dr. Yumkella provided an update on the energy landscape, stating that the government aims to leverage more affordable regional power. He expressed optimism that an additional 52MW from renewable sources would enhance energy generation, along with repairs to generators at Blackhall Road, which are expected to add another 16MW.
The Chairman also discussed efforts to improve transmission capacity, identifying the Southern Corridor Transmission Line as a top priority. “The MCC Compact is a huge boost, and we are glad to see it back on track,” he noted. He assured the Ambassador that reforms at EDSA are underway, focusing on better revenue collection and increased private sector participation.
“We are determined to make things better,” Dr. Yumkella concluded. “With continued support and collaboration, Sierra Leone will soon be on a clear path to energy security.”
The farewell meeting ended on a positive note, with both Dr. Yumkella and Ambassador Kraus-Masse reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation and advancing progress in Sierra Leone’s renewable energy sector.
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