Totoquelleh Mini-Grid brings clean energy to rural Liberia

The Totoquelleh Mini-Grid, co-funded by the Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA) and developed by Energicity, has been officially inaugurated in Totoquelleh, Gbarpolu County, Liberia. The project marks a significant step toward expanding clean and reliable energy access in rural Liberia, benefiting households, businesses, and community services.

The solar-powered mini-grid, with a total installed capacity of 26.88 kWp, is designed to supply sustainable electricity through an ABC overhead line network, which can be expanded as demand increases. The project is part of Energicity’s broader initiative to deploy up to 30 solar mini-grids across Liberia under an agreement with BGFA, signed in May 2022.

During the official launch event, attended by community members, mini-grid workers, Liberian government officials, and representatives from the Swedish embassy in Monrovia, Energicity CEO Nicole Poindexter highlighted the project’s impact:

"Commissioning the Totoquelleh Mini-Grid is a milestone in our mission to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to off-grid communities in Liberia. This project, supported by BGFA and the Liberian government, showcases how innovative financing and technology can bridge the energy gap in Sub-Saharan Africa."

The mini-grid will significantly improve local livelihoods, allowing small businesses to operate more efficiently while reducing reliance on expensive and polluting diesel generators. The project aligns with Liberia’s broader energy strategy to increase access to renewable electricity and reduce carbon emissions. In addition to providing direct energy benefits, the mini-grid contributes to local economic growth by creating jobs in mini-grid operations and maintenance.

The Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, Karl Backéus, reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s energy transition, stating: "Electrifying rural communities is key to economic development. Sweden is proud to be part of this initiative, which empowers local businesses, strengthens essential services, and ensures a brighter future for the people of Totoquelleh."

Energicity’s investment in mini-grid infrastructure will continue with the deployment of additional sites across Liberia, contributing to BGFA’s goal of expanding energy access to nearly 500,000 Liberians.