Sierra Leone: Winch Energy to construct 24 mini solar plants in 24 villages

Sierra Leone Ministry of Energy and Winch Energy recently signed an agreement for the construction of 24 mini solar plants. Winch Energy will be providing electricity to 24 towns and villages in northern Sierra Leone through solar mini-grids.

Winch Energy looks forward to making all these operational by June 2019 and over 6,000 people are expected to be benefited from the direct connection to the mini-grids in the first phase of the project. The first 12 mini-grids have already been installed. The next 12 larger mini-grids will be installed and operated from the fourth quarter of 2019 providing direct electrical connections to an additional 24,000 people.

The total 24 power plants will produce a total energy capacity of 1.2 megawatts. The project is also believed to encourage productive uses of electricity and larger industrial loads like welding and milling.

"We are absolutely delighted to have been selected by the Government of Sierra Leone to build and operate off grid localities in the country. This project places the Winch Energy Group in the leading group of operators who are transforming the off-grid market in Africa and elsewhere. We believe that electricity and related services is transformant to communities helping to kick start local businesses and enhance wealth and prosperity. We are committed to substantial investment in Sierra Leone and expect to add more customers and localities to our business in coming months, with the help of our local management team and employees," Chief Executive Officer of Winch Energy, Nicholas Wrigley opined.

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