-In the Energy Sector
By: Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
PARIS, France — In a significant development for Liberia’s energy sector, Nimba County has signed a potential agreement with Hydroneo, a French company specializing in hydropower development. The proposed project involves the construction of a 20-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Kokula, Yekepa, Nimba County.
The project is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs for Liberians, providing a significant boost to the local economy. The hydroelectric power plant will significantly improve electricity access across Nimba County, unlocking economic growth and development opportunities.
The Nimba County Administration, led by Superintendent Hon. Kou Meapeh Gono has partnered with Hydroneo in Paris, France, to bring this transformative project to life. At the forum, Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono remarks: “We are thrilled to welcome Hydroneo to Nimba County and appreciate their confidence in our region. Reliable electricity is key to unlocking local economic growth and national development. We reaffirm our full support to ensure this vital energy initiative becomes a reality.”
Liberia’s Ambassador to France, H.E. Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., played a crucial role in facilitating the meeting between Superintendent Gono and Hydroneo CEO Samuel Zekri. The ambassador’s efforts have been instrumental in rebranding Liberia’s foreign service and attracting transformative investments.
In a late Thursday evening pronouncement from the Office of the Superintendent. Gono, via its official Facebook page, the Nimba County Administration, and Hydroneo vowed to work together to finalize the project details, ensuring that the hydroelectric power plant becomes a reality and brings numerous benefits to the local community.
Hydroneo is a French company that develops, finances, builds, and operates small to medium-scale renewable energy projects, primarily hydropower, with a strong focus on sub-Saharan Africa.
The company provides comprehensive services, including development studies, construction, and long-term operation and maintenance of power plants, and is committed to environmental sustainability and local community engagement.
Hydroneo leverages its in-house engineering teams to lead projects from start to finish, emphasizing efficient and sustainable plant design and management — dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of its projects and ensuring that local communities benefit from their development.
The county currently benefits from renewable energy by gaining access to clean electricity for homes and businesses, boosting economic prospects and improving quality of life, fostering job creation, and reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuels.
Projects include the Gbedin Falls Hydropower Plant and the distribution of solar home systems and nano-grids, with initiatives like the Productive Use Centers supporting small businesses and productive energy use.
The Rural Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) has electrified several towns and villages along the Ganta-Sanniquellie highway in Nimba County through a transformative Rural Renewable Energy Project.
The Rural Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) has been working tirelessly to increase access to electricity in rural parts of Liberia, including Nimba County.
Launched in 2021, the initiative provides clean and reliable electricity to previously off-grid communities, including Gbedin, Tondin, Zuluyee, Dingarmon, Kitomah, and others. Powered by Gbedin Falls Hydropower Plant — a 9.34MW run-of-river hydropower plant is expected to provide electricity to thousands of households in Nimba County.
