How will Liberia achieve universal access to electricity by 2030?

The country will need to invest heavily in energy infrastructure to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030 . The primary energy sources in Liberia are traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal, which account for more than 80 % of the country's total energy consumption [5, 12, 13].

How can Liberia expand energy access?

These resources hold immense potential, with Liberia boasting abundant solar irradiation and promising bioenergy in specific regions. Efforts to expand energy access also hinge on vital factors such as international partnerships, public-private collaborations, and innovative off-grid and mini-grid solutions.

How can Liberia reduce its dependency on imported fuels?

To overcome these challenges, Liberia has been exploring alternative solutions to reduce its dependency on imported fuels for thermal power generation. One strategy is to diversify the energy mix by increasing the share of domestic renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, for electricity generation.

What energy sources does Liberia use?

Liberia also utilizes other energy sources on a smaller scale. These include small-scale renewable energy systems such as solar and biomass. However, the contribution of these sources to the overall energy mix in Liberia is limited. Abundant and clean energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

What are the challenges to energy access in Liberia?

The primary challenge to energy access in Liberia is the limited and underdeveloped energy infrastructure. The lack of adequate power generation, transmission, and distribution systems contributes to this low access rate. The electrification rate is significantly lower in rural areas, where most of the population resides .

How can Liberia improve energy reliability?

As exemplified by Liberia's import initiatives, regional energy cooperation should be considered to bolster energy reliability. Engineers are advised to optimize energy mixes, incorporating wind, biomass, and solar energy into existing grids, and developing mini-grid initiatives for rural areas to address energy access challenges.