Mount Coffee Hydro to undergo expansion

The Government of Liberia discloses that it has received funding to expand its hydropower plant to boost power distribution here.

By Kruah Thompson 

Monrovia, Liberia, February 7, 2025 – In an effort to address Liberia’s electricity crisis, particularly during the dry season, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has secured funding from the World Bank to expand its Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant.

Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah says the expansion is set to begin in March 2025 and conclude in March 2026.

While the exact amount of World Bank’s funding for the project remains undisclosed, Minister Piah confirms that a contract has been signed with a Chinese company, Sanoe Hydro, to upgrade the Plant’s capacity to 138 MW. However, this is still below the country’s current demand for electricity.

The Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant has a long history dating back to 1963 when the Liberian government received a loan from the World Bank to develop a US$24.3 million hydroelectric project.

The initiative, launched in 1964 by the former Monrovia Power Authority, began the nation’s efforts to enhance its energy infrastructure.

After the completion of the first phase of the dam in 1966, the plant began generating electricity with an initial capacity of 30 MW. This was increased to 64 MW by 1973 with two more turbines. However, during the civil war in the early 1990s, the dam was severely damaged, and the project was halted.

Following Liberia’s recovery efforts in the 2000s, various proposals were made to rehabilitate the Plant. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency allocated US$400,000 for feasibility studies in 2007, and by 2013, a contract was signed to revitalize the plant. The project was completed in 2018, raising capacity to 88 MW.

Despite these efforts, Mount Coffee still struggles to meet electricity demands during dry season, leading to further plans for expansion. 

Minister Piah confirms that funds from the World Bank will be used by LEC to expand the dam, repair damages, and add additional turbines to boost capacity. 

He also emphasizes the importance of these upgrades, including acquiring additional turbo motors to enhance the power supply. 

He says the year-long project is expected to improve electricity distribution across Liberia significantly.

In addition to the Mount Coffee expansion, Piah also reveals plans for a second hydropower plant, incorporating hydro-solar technology to ensure a consistent electricity supply year-round. 

“This new plant, which is expected to cost no less than US$300 million, will allow for uninterrupted power generation, regardless of the season”, he explains.

At the same time, he provides updates on the restoration of two LEC backup generators, which he says have been non-functional for four years. “Once repaired, these generators will contribute an additional 2 MW to the existing capacity.”

On the community electrification front, Piah reports that 16,798 new households have been connected to the electricity grid under LEC’s sponsorship. Furthermore, the groundbreaking ceremony for a new project covering Brewerville to Po-River is set to connect 35,000 households this February.

Besides, 39,792 households have been successfully connected to the grid under the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project.

The Minister is optimistic that the ongoing projects, supported by a recently signed US$300 million energy compact, will further enhance Liberia’s energy infrastructure and help meet growing demand for electricity across the country. Editing by Jonathan Browne