The African continent enjoys plenty of sunlight, wind and water throughout the year. So investing into renewable energy could be a sustainable way of addressing the energy problems in Africa and help save the lives of real people and their communities.
THE LEGAL RASH SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ACTION PLAN FOR SIERRA LEONE
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE
By: Rashid Justice Dumbuya*
1.1 Vision Statement
To help Sierra Leone effectively realize Goal 7 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda and the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy initiative thereby increasing energy access, creating clean environment, saving lives and enhancing sustainable energy for all by 2030.
Rashid Justice Dumbuya
1.2 GOAL 7 of the proposed UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda
‘Goal 7. Ensure Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
7.1 by 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
7.2 increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030
7.3 double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030.’
1.3 The ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy objectives:
‘Universal access to electricity by 2030.
Improve safety and sustainability of energy supply in the ECOWAS region.
Support the region’s socio economic development without imposing major costs.
Promote access to energy services in the rural and urban areas by 2030 in order to stimulate economic development and social and productive uses.
Create a favourable environment to attract private sector investment and use of renewable energy as an engine for industrial, social and economic development.
Reduce the negative environmental externalities of the current energy system by positioning the ECOWAS member states on the path towards sustainable development…’
1.4 Background
In 2010, the UN General Assembly declared 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. In the following year of 2011, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon launched the Sustainable Energy for All initiative appointing Dr Kandeh Yumkella as the UN Special Representative on Sustainable Energy to spearhead the global energy revolution.
In his vision, Ban Ki-moon outlined how governments, business enterprises and the civil society can work in partnership to make sustainable energy a reality for all by 2030. Two major energy interconnected challenges were identified around the world over.
First is the lack of energy access. Over 1.2 billion people (i.e. about 1 person in every 6 on the planet) lack access to electricity. About 2.8 billon people rely on fire wood, charcoal or animal waste for cooking and heating. This creates major barriers to reducing poverty, health and environmental hazards in the world.
Second, is the problem of waste and pollution especially in city centres where energy services are plentiful. Emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from fossil fuels are contributing to changes in the earth’s climate that are causing widespread harm to lives, communities, infrastructure and institutions; thus undermining the most essential foundations of national and global security.
The above challenges also hold true for Sierra Leone where the vast majority of citizens lack access to energy supply. Even though efforts on renewable energy investments have gained momentum in recent years (the refurbishment of the Bumbuna hydro power dam and introduction of solar street lights), there is still a wider ground to be covered within the energy sector.
The country energy mix is still presently dominated by traditional thermal electricity generation, coal and fossil fuels.
The key to addressing these challenges will be to guarantee an enabling environment that will incentivize investment into sustainable energy in the country. That is, energy that is accessible, clean, more efficient and affordable especially to the poor.
To further underscore the importance of energy access, the UN has gone one step ahead to adopt ‘SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL’ as one of the targeted goals in the proposed UN Sustainable Development goals agenda that must be achieved in the world by 2030.
In its recent conference at the General Assembly Hall in New York, the UN Sustainable Energy for All Secretariat has developed a global agenda and country action plans for the successful realization of sustainable energy in the world by 2030. Over 102 countries have made commitments. 85 of them are in Africa, Asia and South America.
At the regional level also, efforts have been made to raise the sustainable energy portfolio agenda within member states. The ECOWAS sub regional body has in fact developed an ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy (EREP) to incentivize member states into making commitments that will increase the use of renewable energy sources and access to energy services in rural areas.
An ECOWAS centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) has also been created to help coordinate regional efforts.
Hundreds of multinational institutions, NGO’s and private individuals have also pledged their commitments to renewable energy investments. Power Africa and the AKON LIGHTING AFRICA Company have begun installing thousands of solar street lights in more than 11 African countries. Over 300 billion dollars have been committed by the international community towards sustainable energy for all during and since the RIO+20 summit.
Ultimately, SDG Goal 7 on Sustainable Energy is about saving lives and improving energy access. If Sierra Leone must attained this goal by 2030 however, it must first have in place a sustainable energy for all policy agenda and action plan which will help create the enabling environment for huge investments into renewable energy like Solar, hydro, wind farms, mini grids, stand alone systems and off grid solutions from 2015 onwards within the country. These clean sources of energy are the rescue for the future of Sierra Leone’s energy problems and its polluted climate and environment.
1.5 What is sustainable Energy?
Sustainable Energy means the use of energy sources that will allow the earth to sustain healthy ecosystems and human life. Sustainable energy is principally about using energy that is generated from clean sources and clean technologies.
Fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) are not sustainable energy sources because when we burn them to create energy, they in turn produce massive levels of greenhouse gases which adversely affect human life, oceans, forests and the global climate.
When we say sustainable energy, we are simply referring to investments in energy sources such as solar energy (solar panels and photovoltaic windows), wind energy (wind turbines/wind farms), hydro energy (water) and some biomass fuels (ethanol).
1.6 Why do we need energy that is sustainable?
Where energy is not sustainable, life would be in absolute danger and discomfort. Hospitals cannot function, academic institutions would be inefficient, crime will increase, the internet will cease to exist, communication technologies will become mere toys and industrial development will be gravely undermined.
In all, life within the state will be rendered useless and dysfunctional. Having in place therefore a sustainable energy policy agenda will not only guarantee energy access, but will also accelerate achievement of SEFA Objectives, the UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy and further concretize gains in the recent MOU that was signed between the European Union and the government of Sierra Leone on sustainable energy.
1.7 Aims
The aim of this Legal Rash Sustainable Energy Action Plan is to stimulate accelerated reforms in the energy sector in Sierra Leone so as to ensure improved energy generation, access, efficiency, security as well as the wellbeing of the environment and human lives in a sustainable way in the country.
1.8 Objectives
The sustainable energy action plan objectives include:
To create an enabling environment for public private partnerships and investments to take place in the energy sector.
To expand energy generation by improving on the grid system and energy mix.
To expand energy access in order to improve energy services and energy supply reliability;
To improve energy sector governance, institution and regulation;
To reduce the health and environmental costs implications associated with energy supply and use;
To enhance energy efficiency and energy security for optimal use and consumption.
1.9 Overview of the Renewable energy profile of Sierra Leone
The electricity sector in Sierra Leone is gravely challenged across generation, transmission and distribution. Statistics indicate that about 10% of the population in the country has access to electricity.
Generation capacity is insufficient and inaccessible while transmission and distribution networks are largely inadequate and aging. A large part of the electricity network in Sierra Leone suffered damage during the civil war.
Though several measures have been undertaken by the government in recent times to bring back the existing network into operation, the current electricity system however covers mainly the western region of the country.
The bulk of electricity consumption takes place in Freetown, the capital city and in a few districts in the south-east of the country. Efforts have been made to expand electricity into the Northern provinces. But few challenges have persisted. The transmission and distribution networks in the country are more than 50 years old and have been poorly maintained. Therefore, these networks are currently not capable of transmitting more than 50 MW of power supply. This poses a serious bottleneck for additional generation capacity to be added into the national grid system.
Even though thermal generation, fossil fuels and bio mass remain the main sources of energy prevalent in Sierra Leone, there are many potential renewable energy sources available for exploitation in the country.
These includes small-hydro, geothermal, wind and solar. The country has vast renewable energy potential to complement and sustain its energy needs. But several barriers have prevented the harnessing of these resources in a productive and meaningful way.
There is neither the appropriate technology nor the national capacity to design, manufacture, market, distribute, and install Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs). More problematic still, there has not been any significant investment and interest shown by the private sector in the advancement of RETs in the country.
1.9.1 Hydro energy
This major energy source of power which is derived from water holds great promise for Sierra Leone, a country possessed with plenty of water and rivers that could be exploited for electricity. Unfortunately, this energy resource remains virtually untapped at the moment.
Since independence, Sierra Leone has only managed to build two efficient hydro power stations: the 6 MW run-of-the river hydro power plant (Dodo), located in the headquarter town of Kenema in the eastern Province of Sierra Leone and the 50MW Bumbuna Plant located at Bumbuna Town in the northern part of Sierra Leone which is about 204kms from Freetown.
The Dodo Hydro plant is operated by the BKPS and is a part of a regional grid connecting thermal power plants in Bo and Kenema while the Bumbuna Hydro Plant is operated by an O&M Operator and feeding Freetown and its environs through 161Kv line with a shield wire scheme supplying power to Makeni city and Bumbuna Village.
A well-advanced plan exists for the construction of one Small Hydro Power Plant in Port Loko to serve other regions in the North. The design is rumoured to have been completed and the project implementation will soon commence.
This project according to reports will be funded by the Chinese Government, UNIDO and the Government of Sierra Leone. The government is also reported to have recently signed an agreement with the Chinese government for the development of facilities in Charlotte and Makalie.
1.9.2 Solar energy
This energy source of power is derived from sunlight. Sierra Leone enjoys a higher degree of sunlight especially in the dry season when increased concentration is often at the peak. Until recent times, much investment into solar energy (Solar panels and photovoltaic windows) has not been seen in Sierra Leone. Since 2010 however, the solar street lights initiative by the government has began to open up investments in solar energy within the country. However, a lot of gaps still exist. Mini solar farms and grids are presently absent and solar panels for domestic energy consumption are scarce.
1.9.3 Wind energy
This energy source of power is derived from the wind. Sierra Leone enjoys a higher degree of strong winds especially during the rainy season when increased concentration is often at its peak. At the moment, there are no investments in wind energy (Wind turbines and wind farms) in Sierra Leone.
1.9.4 Off grid solutions (Mini grids and Stand alone systems)
Off grid solutions comprise of sources of energy that are derived separately out of the national grid system. They include mini grids such as solar farms and stand alone (wind turbines, solar panels) etc. Of grid solutions are scare in Sierra Leone.
Except for a few, such as the mini hydro dam in the Kenema District and the new solar panels on street poles, there is total lack of such investment in the energy sector in the country. There are reported plans however by the government to embark on massive construction of off grid systems (mini-hydro’s, solar farms and solar street poles) to help compliment the national electricity grid supply system.
1.9.5 Biomass energy
Biomass energy is a carbon – neutral electricity that is generated from renewable organic waste which could otherwise have been dumped in landfills, openly burned or left as fodder for forest fires. When burned, the energy in biomass is released as heat.
In biomass power plants, wood waste and animal waste are burned to produce stem which is then runned in a turbine to make electricity that will provide heat for homes and industries. In Sierra Leone, biomass power plants are scare in availability but a lot of biomass energy is however consumed in domestic homes through the burning of firewood for heat and cooking purposes.
1.9.6 Renewable energy cooking stoves for domestic uses
Solar cookers and ethanol stoves are hard to come across in Sierra Leone’s domestic environment. The use of such stoves is currently a luxury to millions of people in the country. Solar cookers are devices that concentrate the rays of the sun to heat and cook food. Such devices can reduce the need for gathering of firewood and other bio mass energy sources for cooking needs.
The use of such technology will ensure more time and security to the lives of women who are largely victims of the emissions from coal and firewood. The use of solar cookers will also reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants.
Ethanol burning stove is another renewable energy technology that is replacing traditional biomass stoves as a cleaner alternative source of energy for domestic use. There are a variety of feed stocks which can be used to produce ethanol, such as sugar cane or corn. Both of these technologies are presently in short supply in Sierra Leone
1.10 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION
1.10.1 Legal, Policy and Institutional Frameworks are required
* Develop a Sustainable Energy for all Secretariat or Energy Working Group in Sierra Leone
* Develop a 15 years Sustainable Energy Policy Plan (2015-2030)
* Draft a New Sustainable Energy Act
* Develop a Public -Private Partnership Policy for investment into Renewable Energy
* Develop a Public Building Energy Efficiency Policy
* Develop a Seasonal Electricity Management and Distribution Framework
* Set up a special police task force to monitor energy consumption patterns and abuse
*Set up Zonal energy billing payment centres and collection points at district levels.
* Establish an energy education and communication desk
* Set up a civil society energy monitoring and tracking framework
* Establish an Institute for Renewable Energy Electrification
* Establish a Rural Electrification Agency
1.10.2 Four vital energy pillars that must also be given due consideration
1.10.2.1 Energy Generation
This concerns the available energy mix, volume and capacity that is prevalent within the country and from which energy is being derived. The state should ensure that renewable energy sources dominate the energy mix by at least 40%.
This is due to its sustainability advantages and less harmful effects on the climate, human life and the environment when compared to coal, fossil fuels, thermal generation plants, oil and gas. Actualizing this will require investments into solar energy, wind farms and turbines, mini hydro dams, mini grids, stand alone systems and other off grid solutions.
Because of the huge capital and production cost that is usually involved, it will further require the state to engage in public- private partnerships and investments agreements. A paradigm shift in the energy market structure will have to be ensured in such a way as to make room for the private sector to jet in.
The state should partner with the private sector to boost energy generation and enhance alternative sources of energy within the energy mix. The state must open its market space and play largely the role of facilitator and regulator.
A Public- private partnership policy will therefore need to be developed by the state to facilitate such investments and agreements. Other regional and sub regional partnerships and collaborations for the optimal use of sustainable energy sources must also be exploited.
1.10.2.2 Energy Access
This concerns the distribution of energy to all especially those living in rural, local and vulnerable communities on an affordable, reliable, equitable and transparent basis. Energy Access is about ensuring that everyone enjoys a bite on the energy cake.
Actualizing this will require an expansion of the grid system or the creation of off grid solutions, stand alone systems, mini grids, solar and wind farms etc at regional and district levels as well as in local and vulnerable areas.
Solar street lights must be powered from mini grid solar farms so that energy can flow to street lights in a more efficient way. Stand alone solar panels must be installed as backups in all public buildings, hospitals and government institutions to deal with emergency energy shortfall situations.
This will help in saving lives and also increase energy access to vulnerable communities. A Public Building Energy Efficiency Policy must be drafted to not only ensure that government buildings and infrastructures are designed in such a way as to accommodate sustainable energy installations and systems, but to also maximize energy efficiency and change in consumption patterns.
Ensuring energy access will also inform the development of a robust Seasonal electricity management and distribution framework that will guide the seasonal distribution of energy to all on an equitable and fair basis, devoid of bias and discrimination.
1.10.2.3 Energy Efficiency
This concerns the efficient utilization of the available sources of energy in the best possible way. Energy efficiency is about using energy wisely. It is about change in consumption patterns, the conservation of energy and the prevention of energy waste within the system.
Being efficient with our energy will help reduce our spending on household and business energy bills and further reduce the amount of energy we need. Actualizing this will require the robust implementation of the Public Buildings Energy Efficiency Policy (PBEEP) to ensure the proper use and conservation of energy within public buildings and government offices.
This directive will help conserve energy in the public space as the lights will only be used when they are needed. The making use of prepaid meters should also be enforced not only in households but also in government buildings so as to monitor consumption patterns and abuse.
A special police task force should be set up for regular inspections into domestic households to expose electricity theft and misuse. Energy Efficiency also demands a robust management and transparent collection of electricity bills and utilities so as to keep the lights on and in a sustainable way.
The management of such resources is key to the sustainability of the energy mix within the system. Zonal energy billing payment centres and collection points need to be increased so as to avoid delay in utility payments and to further suppress opportunities for corruption.
1.10.2.4 Energy Security
This is primarily concerned with the stability of the future energy environment. Energy security is the ensuring of excess generation capacity in the energy mix so as to make up for any short falls, trips or accidents that might occur within the overall grid system.
Energy security is about finding alternative sources of energy, bolstering reserves and expanding the grid and distribution systems. In sum, it is about attaining excess capacity of energy supply over demand.
Actualizing this will require investment in mini grids and stand alone systems at regional or district levels so that every region can be guaranteed of an independent energy grid system separate from the main national grid. This decentralization of the grid system will help incentivize competition, efficient management and sustainability of energy supply in the country.
1.10.3 Construction of mini solar farms to Power Street lights in urban and rural communities
A higher level of energy concentration and voltage power can be easily derived from mini solar farms than from stand alone solar systems in street poles. When solar panels are constructed and pooled together into mini solar farms in areas where there is higher concentration of sunlight, such pool will have a positive impact on the voltage level and energy concentration of street lights.
This will subsequently help in the brightening up of the bulbs on street poles.
At the moment, stand alone solar panels attached on street poles especially in congested urban areas may not benefit adequately from reach of the sunlight for optimal voltage maximization. Construction of mini solar farms and grids in areas of higher concentration of sunlight might be a game changer to help power street lights in urban and rural communities in a more efficient way.
1.10.4 Installation of solar panels in hospitals, schools, prisons, and other public buildings
The needs for such affirmative action cannot be over-emphasized. Institutions like hospitals, schools, prisons, judiciary, parliament, security buildings, SLBC TV etc must have a sustainable energy backup system for the smooth flow of activities and operations.
1.10.5 Government must ensure investment and subsidies on solar panels for household use
Government through the Ministry of Energy should enter into public – private partnerships with multinational institutions and private enterprises for the optimal use of solar panels in domestic households as backups. These solar panels should be highly subsidized by the state such that it will be affordable and accessible by all.
1.10.6 Separate grid systems and off grid renewable energy solutions must be introduced in the four regions in Sierra Leone
The WESTERN AREA (comprising both western urban and rural) must have its own separate grid and off grid renewable systems to cater for the energy demands of the growing population. Since a high level of energy consumption is prevalent in this region, the Bumbuna Hydro must be specifically directed towards the western area to provide optimal electricity power during the rainy season. Other mini off grid renewable energy solutions together with fossil fuel generation can be utilized during the dry season.
The development of Bumbuna Phase 2 and the extension of Bumbuna phase 1 together with the construction of mini grid facilities in Charlotte and Makalie must also be pursued to effectively bolster energy access in the Western Area and its immediate environs.
The SOUTH – EAST REGION (comprising Bo, Bonthe, Moyamba, Pujehun, Kenema, Kailahun and Kono districts) should be merged together for effective energy access and distribution.
This merger of the two regions is practical and achievable because of the prevalence of the mini Dodo hydro dam in Kenema District that is currently providing energy access to some major district headquarter towns within the two regions.
However, larger scale energy projects and mini off grid renewable energy solutions together with fossil generation thermal plants need to be further installed in these two regions to optimize energy access especially during the dry season.
The NORTHERN REGION (comprising Koinadugu, Kambia, Tonkolili, Port Loko and Bombali districts) must also have its own separate grid and off grid renewable energy systems to cater for the energy demands of the growing population.
A separate Hydro dam together with mini solar farms and fossil generation thermal systems should be exploited. The proposed construction of the Bankasoka Hydro Power Station in the district headquarter town of Port Loko must be accelerated and exploited to serve the energy needs of the northern region.
Construction and rehabilitation of isolated grid systems located in each district headquarter towns must also be pursued in the long run.
1.10.7 Benefits of renewable energy investments
* As the name implies, Renewable energy is sustainable since it does not run out easily in supply.
* Renewable energy facilities often require less maintenance than traditional generators. Since their fuel is being derived from natural sources, it will help reduce costs of operation.
* Renewable energy does less harm to the environment and human life when compared to traditional fossil fuels and generators that contains carbon monoxide and other chemical pollutants.
* Renewable energy can also help accelerate access to energy in vulnerable communities through mini grid, stand alone systems and off grid solutions.
* With sustainable energy, children can study after dark, health clinics can sterilize equipment, store life saving vaccines and undertake emergency operations when the regular lighting system trips down.
* Countries can become more efficient and build stronger, competitive and clean energy economies of the future.
1.10.8 Challenges
* Total reliability of energy supply from renewable sources can be problematic since they are seasonal and largely rely on natural weather conditions to derive optimal sources of power.
* Renewable energy technology can also be expensive in terms of costs and investments.
* Difficulty might exist to generate larger quantities of electricity.
1.10.9 Potential Outcomes of sustainable energy investments
Increase energy access to vulnerable communities as well as real people in need.
Help stimulate a more healthier climate, environment and human population
Makes for industrial growth and development
Create wealth through job creation and employment opportunities
Enhance energy efficiency and energy security in the country.
1.10.10 Conclusion
If Sierra Leone must realized the global sustainable energy for all policy agenda and achieve energy access, efficiency and security by 2030, the country’s indigenous renewable energy resources and other associated technologies must be exploited in the immediate, medium and long term to address the power and electricity needs of the population.
Private sector financing or public-private partnerships for improved investments into renewable energy for domestic use, lighting, water pumping, cooking and for motive power applications must be explored.
The establishment of mini solar farms, hydro dams, wind turbines and other off grid systems for lighting street lights, government offices, educational institutions, hospitals and community centres across the country must never be underestimated.
Legal, institutional and policy reforms in the energy sector should be carried out as well. Even commercial houses and industrial establishments must also be encouraged to embark upon a ‘green path’ to sustainable development.
In sum, this LEGAL RASH SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ACTION PLAN for Sierra Leone does not portend as a magic wand. It only reflects a first step towards realization of sustainable energy for all in the country.
But if a thorough implementation of its contents are ensured, it will not only help accelerate achievements in the energy sector in Sierra Leone but hopefully will also contribute in the actualization of Goal 7 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda and the core objectives of the Ecowas Renewable Energy Policy and the SEFA initiative by 2030.
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ECREEE ECOWAS CENTRE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ECOWAS ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES
EREP ECOWAS RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY
EU EUROPEAN UNION
MOU MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
RET’s RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
SGD’s SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
SEFA SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL
UNIDO UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
UN UNITED NATIONS
*All Rights Reserved.
This document was prepared by Rashid Justice Dumbuya, a practicing Barrister and Solicitor from the Republic of Sierra Leone as well as an international human rights advocate and legal and policy advisor in oil & gas/energy law.
Rashid is also the CEO and founder of CHRISTIAN LAWYERS CENTRE (SL) (a.k.a LEGAL LINK).This research document was done free of charge and put together exclusively for the government and Ministry of Energy in Sierra Leone. Defaulters caught plagiarizing or using this document for commercial purposes will be prosecuted.