Types of Energies used

Energy consumption in Liberia is dominated by biomass with a share of more than 90% of the used primary energy sources. Over 95% of the population depends on firewood and charcoal for cooking needs. Approximately 70% of the urban population (85% in Monrovia) use charcoal for cooking, 95% of the rural population uses firewood.

The use of modern energy services such as electricity, and liquefied petroleum gas for lighting, cooking, and entertainment is limited to very few higher income households in urban areas. According to the data of the government, about 10% of urban residents and less than 2% of rural residents have currently electricity access largely from self-generation with gasoline or diesel generators using expensive imported fuel. The access rate to public electricity is less than 1%.

For more information see energypedia.

National Approaches to increase energy access

The government is committed towards increasing energy access, especially by using renewable energies. This is reflected in the national vision, strategies and legal frameworks.

The governmental organisation RREA (Rural Renewable Energy Agency) was created to promote and coordinate these efforts. Other national and international institutions and organisations (who is who) work in the same direction with various projects.

To better understand the Liberian situation, the Renewable Maps summarize solar installations.