Liberia LIRENAP — Mini-grid Completion (Lofa)
Feasibility Study & Detailed Design for a Hybrid Solar-Hydro Mini-Grid in Lofa County
World Bank / Liberia RREA
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Year
2025
Client
LIRENAP / Government of Liberia
Funding
World Bank
Location
Lofa County, Liberia
Capacity
~500 kW hybrid
Objectives & Context
Lofa County in northern Liberia remains one of the least electrified regions in West Africa. Decades of civil conflict destroyed what little infrastructure existed, and the remoteness of the county — accessible primarily by dirt roads that become impassable during the rainy season — makes grid extension economically unviable for the foreseeable future. Communities depend on expensive diesel generators or have no electricity access at all, constraining healthcare delivery, educational outcomes, and economic productivity. The challenge was to identify a technically viable and financially sustainable renewable energy solution adapted to local topography, hydrology, and community capacity.
Our Approach & Solution
TSC Global conducted a comprehensive feasibility study combining solar irradiance mapping, hydrological assessment of nearby watercourses, load demand surveys across target communities, and a least-cost technology comparison. The study identified a hybrid solar-hydro mini-grid configuration as the optimal solution, leveraging dry-season solar resources alongside run-of-river micro-hydro for baseload provision. TSC Global produced detailed engineering designs including generation unit sizing, distribution network layouts, metering architecture, and a technical and financial model demonstrating long-term sustainability. Community engagement workshops ensured local ownership of the project concept.
Results & Impact
The feasibility study and detailed design package provided LIRENAP and the World Bank with a bankable, investor-ready project. The recommended hybrid mini-grid is designed to deliver clean, reliable electricity to over 3,000 households and anchor community facilities including health centres and schools, significantly improving quality of life and enabling economic diversification.
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