USAID program, which runs through October, 2014. The budget for this program is US $18.962M.

The US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Liberian Energy Sector Support Program (LESSP) responds to the priority set by the Government of Liberia (GOL) of rehabilitating electricity infrastructure, which is an integral component of the nation’s macroeconomic development strategy as set forth in the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). Specifically, LESSP contributes to the following goals stipulated in the PRS: builds the capacity of a restructured Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy (MLME); increases energy access in both Monrovia and three rural counties; launches Liberia’s small, micro and mini hydropower generation capability and explores additional generation options from other renewable energy sources; and improves legal, institutional, and regulatory frameworks within the electricity sector.

ESSP’s primary goal is to increase access to sustainable, affordable clean energy and electricity for rural and urban communities and commercial operations in Liberia. The scope of work is a mix of institutional support and specific electricity generation pilot projects, as well as support for increasing the number of connected customers in urban and rural areas. The ultimate objective is to benefit Liberian citizens through strengthened economic development and improved access to social services resulting from access to electricity.

romoting clean energy development in Liberia with four pilot hydropower and biomass electric power projects;

• Supporting energy regulatory, policy and legislative changes that will improve the private investment climate in Liberia for clean and renewable energy development;

• Strengthening the capabilities of local government, civil society and the private sector in managing, operating, monitoring and regulating renewable energy projects; and

• Increasing LEC’s customer base.

Objective 3: Collaborate with other international donors for the expansion of Monrovia’s power distribution network.

No work has been performed under Objective 3 due to a conflict between World Bank and USAID procurement procedures.

he key components of LESSP are:

• Strengthening the capacity of MLME;

• Supporting RREA with technical and management training;

• Strengthening the management capacity of LEC;

• Improving the enabling environment for private sector participation and investments;

was designed by USAID/Liberia to increase access to affordable renewable energy services in geographically focused rural and urban areas in order to foster economic, political and social development. Winrock International is the Mission’s implementing partner.

The Sorlumba palm oil combustion plant has been delayed due to issues related to identifying a proper engine to combust palm oil.

• Strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy (MLME), supporting RREA with technical and management training;

• Promote clean energy development in Liberia with four pilot hydropower and biomass electric power projects;

• Support energy regulatory, policy and legislative changes that will improve the private investment climate in Liberia for clean and renewable energy development;

• Strengthen the capabilities of local government, civil society and the private sector in managing, operating, monitoring and regulating renewable energy projects; and,

• Benefit the citizens of Liberia through strengthened economic development and improved access to social services, resulting from access to electricity.

(i) increased, sustainable access and affordability of electricity within urban and rural poor communities; (ii) improved performance of local governments, civil society and the private sector in monitoring, regulating and managing the use of renewable energy; (iii) an increase in the percentage of households and businesses utilizing clean energy, and a corresponding increase in economic activity; and (iv) policy changes that improve the investment climate for the energy sector. Objective 1: Strengthen the government of Liberia’s (GOL) capacity to implement plans for rural electrification as expressed in the National Energy Sector Policy.

Winrock is successfully building the capacity of the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA). RREA staff members informed the assessment team that they use skills acquired through LESSP capacity building activities to perform their job responsibilities. Most contract deliverables under Objective 1 were delivered on time.

Objective 2: Establish commercially viable pilot plants that provide renewable energy services to population centers in Bong, Lofa and Nimba counties. four pilot renewable energy projects Construction of both hydro pilot plants is delayed.