By: Archie Boan
The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, has begun a two-day validation workshop in Monrovia to review the feasibility study for clean mini-grids under the African Development Bank’s Desert-to-Power (DtP) initiative.
The study, conducted by the consortium INENSUS–NYETAA, identifies 30 rural localities in Liberia as viable for the development of solar mini-grids. The assessment covers energy demand, technical design, financial projections, environmental and social impacts, and gender-sensitive planning. Once validated, the findings will be used to mobilize funding for the construction of mini-grid systems in the selected communities.
Opening the workshop, Assistant Minister for Energy Oliver S. Gbegbe reaffirmed government’s commitment, noting that the program supports the ARREST Agenda for inclusive national development.
Representatives from the RREA, EPA, Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Finance, LERC, Liberia Land Authority, industry groups, and development partners participated.
RREA Deputy Executive Director for Programs, Stephen V. Potter Sr., welcomed the initiative and said it aligns with national efforts to expand clean and reliable electricity to rural areas.
ECREEE Renewable Energy Specialist Juste Damada explained that the targeted localities were selected based on distance from the national grid, presence of health centers and schools, and economic activity.
He said the study confirms strong potential for solar mini-grid deployment and emphasized expected benefits such as improved health services, better learning conditions for students, and increased productivity for rural businesses.
Damada noted that the main challenge ahead will be resource mobilization, but expressed optimism that the first mini-grids could be implemented within the next two years.
The workshop is expected to produce a validated and harmonized report, paving the way for investment in clean energy solutions for underserved communities across Liberia.
