MCC Improving Grid Access and Productive Use

Sierra Leone Compact - Electricity Distribution Project: Distribution System Rehabilitation & Extension Activity.The Distribution Refurbishment Activity focuses on upgrading Sierra Leones deteriorated and insufficient distribution infrastructure to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Key improvements include replacing damaged low-voltage cabinets, upgrading transformers, enhancing electrical infrastructure, and replacing outdated switchgear boards.

Addressing deferred maintenance is essential for safe and effective network operations..The Freetown Refurbishment Sub-Activity will replace two 40 MVA 161/11 kV transformers and protection panels at the Kingtom substation, the primary injection substation for the Western Area grid. These upgrades will enhance power delivery across the Western Area and reduce system losses.

Additional work involves replacing 11 kV and 33 kV switchgear boards in Freetown substations to safely manage electricity distribution..The Western Area Refurbishment Sub-Activity targets operational safety and network reliability through refurbishments such as replacing damaged low-voltage cabinets, adding reclosers on 33 kV and 11 kV lines, and replacing overhead lines, underground cables, and 11/0.435 kV distribution transformers.

Equipment failures at substations will be addressed by replacing 33 kV and 11 kV switchgear boards.

These upgrades aim to reduce outages, prevent overloading, and improve power reliability, especially for underserved communities in the Western Area..The District Towns Refurbishment Sub-Activity will extend distribution improvements to towns outside Freetown and the Western Area.

Final selection of refurbishment sites will depend on economic assessments, census data, budgets, and alignment with other compact investments..By addressing critical distribution network needs, this activity enhances safety, reduces outages, and improves power reliability nationwide.