By Lawrence Williams
The government on Tuesday announced a one-year extension of its power agreement with the Turkish power provider Karpowership, a move that could effectively put an end to the uncertainty about stable electricity supply to the country’s capital, Freetown.
Under the revised agreement, Karpowership will provide 25 megawatts (MW) of electricity during the rainy season and 45 MW in the dry season, restoring previous power levels and reinforcing the national grid at a time of rising energy demand.
The Ministry of Energy said that both parties have reached a negotiated settlement to restructure the country’s outstanding debt to the Turkish energy provider. The new terms are expected to ease financial pressure while securing continuous power generation.
Previously on this: Freetown’s floating power provider may shut down over $66m government debt
“This renewed agreement reflects our shared commitment to delivering reliable and affordable electricity to the people of Sierra Leone,” the Ministry said in a joint statement with Karpowership.
The partnership, first launched in 2018, has been a major source of energy for the country’s capital and key urban centers. The government said the agreement aligns with its broader goals to expand energy access and accelerate socio-economic development.
Karpowership, a global player in floating power generation, operates a powership docked off the coast of Freetown, supplying power directly to the national grid.
The Ministry of Energy thanked Karpowership for what it described as “mutual understanding” and reiterated its commitment to improving energy infrastructure as part of Sierra Leone’s long-term development strategy.