On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Energy, led by Hon. Keikura C. Vandy, inspected the Newton Solar PV Plant and the Black Hall Road Power Station. Accompanying the committee were Deputy Minister II of Energy, Ing. Edmond Benjamin Nonie, Director General of the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), Ing. Milton Gebai, and Head of Renewable Energy, Ing. Mohamed Marrah.
The inspection aimed to evaluate the current state of energy infrastructure, identify challenges, and explore solutions. Chairman Vandy emphasized that the Committee’s oversight would result in a comprehensive report to be presented to Parliament. He stated, “When we complete the oversight tour, we will write our report and present it to the Plenary for further consideration.”
This was the Committee’s first visit to the Newton Renewable Energy Station, a 6-megawatt solar plant, the largest in the country, completed in 2021. The plant integrates power from Bumbuna to Freetown and includes facilities for power collection, retention, transfer, and spare parts storage. The Committee noted that the plant’s capacity varies seasonally, with a maximum output of 4.3 megawatts during the rainy season and higher output during sunnier periods.
In Freetown, government-owned power sources include the Newton Solar Plant, Bumbuna, and thermal generators at Black Hall and Kingtom. However, the Newton Community only benefits from the solar plant’s power during the day, as nighttime power supply remains a challenge.
Director General Gebai discussed ongoing efforts to address issues with faulty inverters and batteries at the Newton Solar Plant. The Committee also learned of future renewable energy projects, supported by the World Bank, aimed at enhancing power supply in Freetown and Lungi.
At the Black Hall Road Power Station, the Committee observed two auxiliary plants, each with an 8-megawatt capacity, installed in 2010. Although currently non-operational, the government is exploring solutions for their costly maintenance. Deputy Minister Nonie reassured the Committee of the government’s commitment to improving power generation with the help of partners, stating, “We are trying hard to bring the dynamic of different generations to address electricity challenges in the country.”
