News
SMEC
to
investigate
Hydropower
to
balance
Sierra
Leone
energy
deficit
IPSL Ghana Ltd has appointed SMEC to conduct preliminary investigations, to determine the feasibility of a 180 MW Hydroelectric Project along the Mano River, Sierra Leone. The Mano River originates in the Guinea Highlands in Liberia and forms part of the Liberia-Sierra Leone border.

As part of the scope, SMEC will unpack an earlier feasibility study carried out in March 1981 under the Mano River Union (MRU). The earlier study proposed a 65m high embankment dam approximately 60 km from the mouth of the river where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

Key deliverables for the project include production of a prefeasibility report containing:

  • Topographical Survey
  • Geological and Hydrological Study
  • Layout and capacity assessment
  • Pre- feasibility design for dam infrastructure such as diversion tunnel, spillway, dam type etc
  • Assessment of electro-mechanical equipment
  • Preliminary environmental and social assessment
  • Power evacuation study
  • Preliminary cost estimate and implementation schedule

It is anticipated that the entire production of the project can be absorbed by the existing electricity grids of Sierra Leone and Liberia, which would significantly bridge part of the energy deficit of the two countries.