This greenfield 50MW solar power project, developed by Frontier Energy and Planet One, will be the country’s first large-scale grid-connected solar Independent Power Producer (IPP).

The investment underscores the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix and addressing the urgent need for clean, affordable, and stable power.

Only 23% of Sierra Leone’s population has access to electricity, and a staggering 80% of the country’s electricity is generated from fossil fuels.

“This project is a critical step towards unlocking Sierra Leone’s abundant renewable energy potential and accelerating progress towards net-zero emissions,” said Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at BII

“By supporting Planet Solar, we are not only providing clean energy to underserved regions but also laying the foundation for a more sustainable future.”

The 50MW solar capacity is expected to increase the operational domestic electricity supply by approximately 30%, benefitting commercial and industrial entities, public institutions, and households connected to the main grid.

This will bring much-needed power to communities in Freetown, the Western Area, and beyond.

The Planet Solar project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

It is also supported by the Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator initiative, co-led by BII and FMO, which aims to unlock investment opportunities and mobilize commercial capital in frontier markets across Africa.

Following successful pilots in Hurlingham, Dagoretti, and Mountain View in 2022, 16 additional TotalEnergies service stations will be equipped with battery swap stations starting immediately.

This initiative aligns with TotalEnergies’ commitment to sustainability and aims to accelerate the reduction of CO2 emissions from Nairobi’s transportation sector.

Ampersand’s battery swap stations provide a convenient and efficient way for electric motorbike riders to exchange their batteries, allowing them to continue their journeys without waiting for long charging times.

“We are transforming the electric motorbike recharging landscape in Nairobi,” says Josh Wale, CEO of Ampersand.

“By strategically placing battery exchange stations within 5 to 10 kilometers of all operational areas, we provide unparalleled convenience and efficiency for our customers. This new network offers the same reliability and customer experience as a petrol station, while supporting the sustainability goals of TotalEnergies and preserving jobs for thousands of employees across Kenya.”

The new network expansion comes as Ampersand prepares to roll out 600,000 electric motorbikes in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Founded in 2016 with the mission to enable the energy transition in the East African transport sector by 2030, Ampersand is committed to providing affordable and sustainable transportation solutions that benefit both riders and the environment.

The official inauguration of one of the new battery swap stations took place recently in the Westlands district, with Jean Philippe Torres, TotalEnergies’ Country Manager, in attendance.

This partnership marks a significant step in Ampersand’s ambitious vision to electrify East African transportation and contribute to a cleaner future for the region.