Monrovia – The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), is implementing a comprehensive dual-track strategy to address current electricity shortages while securing long-term energy stability, combining an immediate 100-megawatt (MW) thermal power solution with a transformational 300MW combined cycle gas power project in Buchanan.
This coordinated approach reflects a clear national commitment: to stabilize power supply in the short term and permanently resolve Liberia’s energy constraints in the medium to long term. While the 100MW Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) plant, being advanced in partnership with private sector stakeholders including MNG Mining Company, is targeted for delivery within 12 months to address the next dry season, the 300MW gas project, valued at approximately US$500 million, will anchor Liberia’s future energy security and significantly reduce reliance on imports.
In furtherance of this long-term vision, LEC has signed a term sheet in Washington, D.C. on March 27, 2026 with Tarpeh Global Initiative (TGI), with technical support from Southern Company, one of the United States’ most experienced power producers, marking a major milestone in Liberia’s transition toward reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.
At a time when the power sector continues to face constraints, particularly during the dry season, the Government is pursuing a deliberate strategy to optimize domestic generation, diversify the energy mix, and strengthen national energy security. The Buchanan gas project is a central pillar of this strategy and is expected to significantly stabilize electricity supply upon completion.
“This is about restoring confidence and building a future where electricity is no longer a constraint to national development,” said Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif. “We are taking decisive steps today to ensure that, in the medium to long term, Liberia will have the reliable power it needs to grow its economy, support businesses, and improve the quality of life for all Liberians.”
Addressing Today’s Challenges While Building Tomorrow’s Solutions
The Government of Liberia recognizes the real and immediate hardships that electricity shortages are placing on households and businesses across the country. While advancing long-term investments such as the Buchanan gas project, urgent steps are also being taken to address near-term supply gaps.
In this regard, the Government, through LEC, is actively engaging private sector partners—including MNG Mining Company, to develop and deploy a 100-megawatt Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) power plant, targeted for implementation within 12 months. This fast-track solution is specifically designed to mitigate the anticipated supply-demand gap during the next dry season and provide critical stability to the grid.
This dual-track approach, delivering immediate relief while building sustainable long-term infrastructure underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no Liberian is left behind during this transition.
The term sheet for the Buchanan project was signed in Washington, D.C., following a structured and transparent engagement process led by LEC, in coordination with key Government institutions including the Offices of the President, Vice President, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and National Investment Commission.
Jeff Blibo, Chairman of the National Investment Commission, during the signing emphasized the broader national significance of the initiative:
“This agreement sends a strong signal that Liberia is open for credible, large-scale investment. We are working deliberately to attract partners who bring not only capital, but long-term value, technology, and confidence in our economy. The energy sector is central to unlocking growth, and this project represents a major step in that direction.”
Bedell Sandi, Special Presidential Envoy for Strategic Engagement, underscored the Government’s commitment to delivering results for the Liberian people:
“This is about delivering tangible outcomes for our citizens. We understand the challenges people are facing today, and we are acting with urgency while keeping our eyes on long-term transformation. The combination of immediate and strategic investments reflects a Government that is fully engaged and focused on solutions.”
Isaac Taggart, Special Envoy on Trade and Investment to the United States at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the international dimension of the partnership:
“This milestone demonstrates Liberia’s growing credibility on the global stage. Through sustained engagement with international partners and investors, we are positioning Liberia as a destination for strategic, high-impact investments. This project reflects the confidence of global partners in Liberia’s reform agenda and long-term economic potential.”
The process focused on identifying credible partners capable of delivering large-scale, bankable energy infrastructure aligned with Liberia’s national priorities.
TGI, a U.S.-based energy and infrastructure development firm led by Liberian-born CEO James T. Tarpeh II, brings together a consortium of global partners, including Nebula Energy and Southern Company as Technical Advisor, ensuring world-class technical expertise and project execution standards.
The development of the project has been guided by rigorous technical collaboration. In November 2025, TGI conducted an advance mission to Liberia, including site validation, infrastructure assessments, and engagement with LEC’s engineering teams. These efforts confirmed Buchanan as the optimal location, given its strategic position within the national grid and proximity to key infrastructure.
Beyond expanding generation capacity, the project is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation, generating hundreds of jobs during construction and creating long-term employment opportunities in plant operations and support services. TGI and its partners are committed to local capacity development, including partnerships with universities, technical institutions, and Liberian businesses to support skills transfer and workforce development.
“This project is about more than electricity; it is about unlocking Liberia’s economic potential,” said James T. Tarpeh II. “Together with LEC and the Government of Liberia, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future.”
The agreement marks the beginning of the next phase of development, including detailed technical, financial, and environmental studies, leading toward the negotiation of a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Commercial operation is targeted for 2028, positioning the project as a cornerstone of Liberia’s medium- to long-term energy transformation agenda.
A Message to the Liberian People
The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), fully acknowledges the current electricity challenges being experienced across the country and remains firmly committed to addressing them with urgency, transparency, and resolve.
The actions underway today reflect a clear and deliberate strategy: to stabilize electricity supply in the immediate term while building a modern, resilient, and self-sufficient energy system for the future. The fast-track 100MW HFO solution will help ease near-term pressures, while the 300MW Buchanan gas project represents a lasting transformation of Liberia’s power sector.
“This is a turning point for Liberia’s energy sector,” said Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif. “We are not only responding to today’s challenges; we are building a future where reliable electricity is no longer a privilege, but a guarantee for every Liberian.”
Through these combined efforts, alongside ongoing investments in transmission expansion, smart metering, and system modernization, the government is laying the foundation for reliable and consistent electricity supply, a stronger and more competitive economy, and improved quality of life for all Liberians.
The Government calls on the public to remain confident and supportive as these critical interventions are implemented.
The path to reliable electricity is clear. The work is underway. And the future is within reach.
