Winch Energy lights up 24 communities in Sierra Leone

Winch Energy Ltd, a global energy developer and technology integrator focusing on off-grid renewable power projects has announced that it has signed a contract with the Ministry of Energy in Sierra Leone to provide electricity to 24 towns and villages.

The project that will be implemented in northern Sierra Leone through solar mini-grids is part of a public-private partnership project.

The project dubbed “Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP)” is supported by UK aid grant funding and implemented by United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

The project aimed at contributing to Sierra Leone’s economic development through increased access to rural energy resources while simultaneously contributing to a significant reduction in Sierra Leone’s future Green House Gas emissions.

RREP aims to provide up to 5MW of sustainable renewable electricity in rural communities through mini-grid installations with private sector involvement

Winch Energy said first 12 mini-grids have already been installed and over 6,000 people are set to benefit from a direct connection to the mini-grids in the first phase of the project.

An additional 12 larger mini-grids will be installed and operated by Winch Energy starting Q4 2019, providing direct electricity connections to an additional 24,000 people.

The 24 localities have a combined population of over 40,000 people who will benefit from proximity to the mini-grids.