Kissy, Freetown — April, 2026 — Ing. Edmond Nonie, Deputy Minister of Energy I, today led the movement of the first turbine for the Nant Power Project from Queen Elizabeth II Quay to the project site in Kissy, Eastern Freetown. Hundreds of residents gathered along Jenner Wright and Bai Bureh roads to watch the convoy carrying heavy equipment and government officials make their way to the construction site, applauding and expressing hope for improved city electricity supply.
The turbine was carefully unloaded on the Kissy site, where installation work will begin as part of the Nant Project’s phased development. Ing. Nonie, speaking to reporters after the delivery, described the project as a watershed moment in President Julius Maada Bio’s administration. He described the project as a 108-megawatt facility for the Western Area that will provide Freetown residents with sustainable and stable electricity.
“This is one of several initiatives spearheaded by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio,” Ing. Nonie stated. He recalled that the project, which was first conceived 13 years ago, had stalled under the previous administration, and that it was President Bio’s leadership after 2018 that rekindled momentum for the project to resume. The Deputy Minister emphasised the government’s determination to complete the Nant Project within the established timelines, outlining the phased production targets: completion of the first phase is expected to enable the facility to generate and supply 70 megawatts by May 2027, with the installation of the second turbine by September 2027 bringing output to the full 108 megawatts.
According to officials, the additional capacity will significantly improve electricity availability for residents and businesses throughout Freetown. Ing. Nonie also emphasised ongoing energy sector reforms and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to President Bio’s energy sovereignty objectives, noting that several complementary projects are currently underway. Abu Kamara, General Manager of Nant Power, described the arrival of the first turbine as a cause for celebration, noting that the site is now “a beehive of activities.” He stated that the technical and mechanical teams have begun preparations for installation.
Kamara praised the project sponsors, TCQ and Anergi, and singled out Mr Karim Nasser, Executive Chairman of Nant Power, for his long-standing leadership and perseverance in moving the project forward for more than a decade. “Mr Karim Nasser has been a driving force behind this initiative for over 13 years. He is an exceptionally intelligent, diligent, and tenacious leader whose vision and perseverance have been critical to the project’s success,” Kamara stated, thanking the Ministry of Energy for its ongoing support.
The plan places a strong emphasis on project partners and financiers: the project will be the country’s first in-country Independent Power Producer (IPP), with financial backing from the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development. On-site construction manager Kaushal Kumar of Shapoorji Pallonji reassured stakeholders that the contractor is still on track to complete the project on time.
As the turbine is prepared for installation, government officials and project managers emphasised that the Nant Project is a key component of the Feed Salone agenda, which links energy expansion to national development objectives. With visible progress at Kissy and timelines for phased commissioning in place, Freetown residents are keeping a close eye out for the promised improvements in electricity reliability and access.
