How will Liberia achieve universal access to electricity by 2030?

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].

How can Liberia improve energy reliability?

As exemplified by Liberia's import initiatives, regional energy cooperation should be considered to bolster energy reliability. Engineers are advised to optimize energy mixes, incorporating wind, biomass, and solar energy into existing grids, and developing mini-grid initiatives for rural areas to address energy access challenges.

Why is Liberia a net importer of petroleum products?

Liberia is a net importer of petroleum products, relying on imports to meet its energy needs. It has a high energy density and is convenient for transportation and electricity generation. Reliance on imported fuels, vulnerability to price fluctuations, and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

How does Liberia attract private investment?

The government has introduced policies to attract private investment in the energy sector and promote renewable energy development [3, 4]. In 2015, the government launched the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LEC) to provide oversight of the electricity sector and attract private investment .

What are the opportunities for energy access in Liberia?

Additionally, adopting off-grid and mini-grid solutions presents another opportunity for energy access in Liberia . Given the challenges of extending the central grid to remote areas, off-grid and mini-grid systems offer cost-effective alternatives. Some of the energy sources utilized in Liberia are summarized in Table 3. Table 3.

How does Liberia benefit from international support?

Liberia benefits from international support and investments in energy access projects. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the World Bank are among the organizations that provide financial and technical support to Liberia's energy sector.