The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the Government of Liberia through the National Authorizing Office (NAO) at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), and other energy-related line ministries and agencies, will undertake a follow-up technical mission under the €42 million Light Up South East (LUSE) Program from 26–29 January 2026.
The mission follows recommendations from a previous inspection, during which several compliance and implementation issues were identified across LUSE-supported energy infrastructure projects. The objective of the follow-up mission is to ensure that all noncompliance issues have been adequately addressed, inspect newly completed and ongoing works in line with contractors’ scopes, and assess the overall level of progress across all LUSE project sites.
During the mission, the technical team will conduct a comprehensive review of distribution and transmission infrastructure, contractor performance, and adherence to approved final designs and implementation schedules. Particular attention will be paid to issues raised during the previous mission to confirm that corrective actions have been effectively implemented.
One priority concern remains the Barclayville Solar Mini-Grid Project, where progress has been constrained by the need to comply with grid code requirements in accordance with Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) regulations. Addressing this issue is a top priority for the NAO and RREA, who will work closely with the implementation contractor, Constar Inc., to harmonize outstanding technical and financial matters affecting the project. RREA will also engage the contractor separately to support the timely resolution of these challenges.
Commenting on the mission, the European Union Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez, stated: “The European Union reaffirms its commitment to expanding access to reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity in south-eastern Liberia. The LUSE Program remains a flagship investment supporting inclusive development, economic growth, and improved service delivery in underserved regions of the country.” The mission is strictly technical in nature and reflects the shared commitment of the EU and the Government of Liberia to quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and the timely delivery of energy infrastructure that supports sustainable development in Liberia.
About the LUSE Program
The Light Up South East (LUSE) Program is a €42 million, 100% European Union grant aimed at expanding access to reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity in south-eastern Liberia.
Key components of the program include:
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County: Construction of 117.5 km of 33/0.4kV distribution network to connect 12,054 customers, significantly improving electricity access for households, businesses, and public institutions. Greenville, Sinoe County: Construction of a 2MW mini-hydropower plant on the Sinoe River, complemented by the supply and installation of 850 kWp solar photovoltaic systems and 540 kVA diesel generation and distribution infrastructure, enabling 4,344 new electricity connections. Barclayville, Grand Kru County: Supply and installation of 200 kWp solar photovoltaic systems, 225 kVA diesel generation, and 15 km of 11/0.4kV distribution network to expand electricity access in the county.
