Nant Power Project Reportedly Reaches 68% Completion

Construction of the Nant Power Project at Kissy in Freetown has reportedly reached 68% completion, with the 108-megawatt gas-powered facility scheduled to begin supplying electricity to Sierra Leone’s national grid in March 2027.

Valued at approximately US$418 million, the project is intended to expand the country’s electricity-generation capacity and improve power availability, particularly across the Western Area.

Financing and expected impact

The United States International Development Finance Corporation has reportedly provided approximately US$412 million in financing and political-risk support for the development. The available information does not establish whether the full amount has been disbursed.

The project is expected to provide an additional source of electricity and reduce pressure on existing generation facilities once completed. It will continue to rely on natural gas as its primary fuel source.

Improved electricity availability could support businesses and essential service providers that currently depend on generators, while also strengthening conditions for activity in sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and information technology. The expected effects on reliability, affordability and economic growth remain projections.

Access target and infrastructure concerns

Sierra Leone’s 2026 National Energy Compact sets a target of increasing electricity access from approximately 36% to 78% by 2030. The Nant project forms part of the wider effort to expand electricity supply and improve energy access.

Energy sector observers have cautioned that increasing generation alone will not completely resolve the country’s power challenges. Improvements to transmission and distribution will also be required to ensure that additional electricity reaches consumers consistently.

The World Bank has identified weaknesses in electricity infrastructure as a major constraint on economic development and has stressed the need for coordinated investment in generation, transmission and distribution.

The 68% completion figure is reported, while March 2027 remains a target rather than a confirmed commissioning date. The ultimate contribution of the facility will depend on whether the additional generation translates into a consistent and affordable electricity supply.