Liberia power grid energy storage station area

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. By harnessing these indigenous and sustainable energy resources, Liberia can decrease its reliance on imported fuels and enhance its energy security.

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].

Only 3 % of Liberians had grid electricity access in 2019, among the lowest globally. Traditional biomass use poses indoor air pollution risks, especially for women and children. Outdated infrastructure, fuel dependence, and funding constraints hinder progress. Abundant renewables, international support, and off-grid options offer solutions.

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.

In addition, the government signed a Power Purchase Agreement with a solar energy company to provide the country ≥20 MW of electricity in 2020 . Despite these efforts, much work remains to be done to improve access to reliable and affordable energy in Liberia.

Moreover, the affordability of electricity remains a major concern. Energy costs in Liberia are high compared to the average income levels, making electricity unaffordable for many Liberians. The cost of electricity can be up to two times higher in Liberia compared to neighboring countries.