Executive Mansion, Monrovia – In a decisive move to enhance Liberia’s energy sovereignty and advance national economic development, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., today signed Executive Order No. 137, amending Executive Order No. 120.

The new Executive Order establishes a High-Level Steering Committee to oversee the development of the St. Paul River 2nd Hydro Power Plant Project (SP2) and a Solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) initiative, reaffirming the Government’s full support for renewable energy projects in Liberia.

This initiative comes as Liberia strives to capitalize on its abundant natural resources, especially hydro and solar power, to provide affordable and sustainable energy which is key to fulfilling the nation’s COP26 and COP27 climate commitments.

The Executive Order emphasizes energy sovereignty as a cornerstone for political, economic, and social security, ensuring that Liberia’s power generation capacity is harnessed within its borders.

“The development of renewable energy is critical not only to achieving national energy independence but also to driving our economic growth and fulfilling our climate obligations,” said President Boakai.

This Executive Order sets in motion a coordinated effort to expand our power infrastructure and ensures that the Government of Liberia provides unwavering support to these transformative projects.

Key Highlights of Executive Order No. 137:

• Formation of a High-Level Steering Committee (SC): This Committee, chaired by the Vice President of Liberia, will include key ministers and agency heads, ensuring high-level oversight and direction for the projects.
• Focus on St. Paul River Hydro Power and Solar Power Development: With the backing of international partners such as the World Bank and the West African Power Pool, the projects include the development of a 150MW hydropower plant on the St. Paul River and a 20MW solar power plant with battery energy storage at Mount Coffee Hydro Power Plant (MCHPP).

• Economic and Environmental Impact: The order underscores the critical role these renewable energy projects will play in Liberia’s future economic growth, reducing reliance on imported energy and mitigating the seasonal energy deficits during the dry season. The initiative also commits to the just treatment of affected citizens and rigorous adherence to environmental and social safeguards.

• International and Donor Engagement: A Financial Mobilization Team (FMT) will be established under the Steering Committee to engage with donors and ensure the projects receive the necessary financial backing.

The Government of Liberia has committed to an inclusive, coordinated approach, with ministries and entities directed to fully support the implementation of these renewable energy projects. The involvement of international donors and institutions is expected to accelerate the completion of feasibility studies and secure funding, paving the way for the St. Paul River hydropower cascade system and solar power advancements.

This Executive Order signals Liberia’s dedication to achieving energy sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic development. It takes effect immediately.