Project profile
Energy for the future in Sierra Leone
Grünwelt Energie supports the development of local energy projectsAfter the end of the Ebola epidemic, Sierra Leone is fighting hunger and poverty more desperately than ever. Agriculture and trade urgently need to be revived. To achieve this, rural areas in particular depend on a functioning power supply. But sufficient electricity is not available everywhere.
- Project type:
- Expansion of local energy projects
- Location:
- Sierra Leone, West Africa
How the supply works
Until now, people and institutions in rural areas have met their energy needs with firewood, charcoal and diesel generators. But deforestation harms the environment, and diesel, kerosene and batteries cost a lot of money. Families spend up to 20% of their household income on their energy needs – money that is urgently needed for other purposes such as food, clothing, medicines and school fees. The result: the majority have to manage without electricity.
To change this, Welthungerhilfe is supporting Sierra Leone in expanding the energy system at three locations. One example is the village of Segbwema in the eastern district of Kailahun. By building solar installations with an output of between 70 and 127 kilowatts – so-called mini-grids, a local power plant with its own grid – Welthungerhilfe and its partners Energy for Opportunity (ENFO), IBIS and COOPI are bringing clean electricity to households, businesses and institutions. The neighbouring hospital in particular can now offer its services around the clock.
International aid
In total, 850,000 people benefit from the four-year project “Promoting Energy Services for Social Development in Sierra Leone” (PRESSD). It builds on the United Nations SE4All approach (sustainable energy for all), which aims at sustainable energy generation and supply in rural areas.