- CFM commits USD 3.1 million in development funding from its EU-supported Climate Investor Two Fund to help address Sierra Leone’s acute waste management and energy access challenges
- A 30MW facility will convert 365,000 tonnes of waste a year into 236.5 GWh of green electricity
- Avoiding 94,000 tonnes of CO2 emission annually and providing electricity to 3.3 million people
Freetown, Sierra Leone, 27 February 2025: Climate Fund Managers (“CFM”), a climate-focused blended finance investment manager operating across Africa, Asia and Latin America, announces its latest investment to co-develop a 30MW municipal waste-to-energy project (“the Project”) in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. The Project, a partnership with Infinitum Energy Group (“Infinitum”), aims to address critical waste management and energy access challenges while contributing to Sierra Leone’s long-term climate and development goals.
CFM has committed USD 3.1 million in development funding from its EU-supported Climate Investor Two Fund, a blended finance facility focused on water, waste and oceans infrastructure in emerging markets. CFM’s funding and development expertise will support critical activities such as detailed waste studies, permitting and early-stage works, accelerating the path to financial close for construction. On successful completion of the development of the Project and subject to obtaining required investment approvals, Climate Investor Two will have the right to fund up to 75% of the required construction equity funding for the Project.
The Project will process approximately 365,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, converting it into 236.5 GWh of renewable electricity. The power will be supplied to the national grid under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Sierra Leone’s Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), which is currently being finalised. By integrating waste management with energy generation, the Project addresses two pressing issues: the country’s growing waste crisis and its limited access to electricity.
Once operational, the Project will:
- Process an estimated 365kt of municipal solid waste a year, reducing reliance on environmentally harmful dumpsites and improving public and environmental health
- Create c.250 direct jobs and support c.1,500 positions in the local waste management value chain
- Provide reliable energy access to more than 3.3 million people
- Directly avoid over 94,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually
Sierra Leone faces severe waste management challenges driven by rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure. Overwhelmed dumpsites like Kingtom and Kissy, established in the 1940s and 1980s, have led to the emergence of numerous illegal dumpsites. Together, these sites contribute to acute health risks, clogged waterways with heightened flood risks, and the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Meanwhile, only 22% of the population has access to electricity, up to 40% of which is generated from expensive and harmful fossil fuels, leaving millions without reliable power.
The new waste-to-energy facility will provide reliable baseload power, complementing the country’s existing hydropower supply and addressing energy shortages during the dry season. The Project aligns with Sierra Leone’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), advancing goals for renewable energy access, improved waste management infrastructure, and integrated resource management. As an Independent Power Producer (IPP), the initiative demonstrates Sierra Leone’s commitment to becoming a welcoming place for energy development to drive impactful, long-term solutions in the country’s goal of energy independence.
Darron Johnson, Regional Head of Africa at CFM said: “This waste-to-energy project exemplifies our commitment to creating scalable solutions that address climate, social, and economic challenges in Africa. By transforming Freetown’s waste into a sustainable energy source, we’re not only reducing emissions but also catalysing economic opportunities and improving community health. This partnership underscores the importance of blended finance to absorb early-stage project risks and develop innovative infrastructure solutions in emerging markets.”
Lindsay Nagle, CEO of Infinitum Energy Group said: “Infinitum is proud to partner with CFM on this landmark project. By leveraging proven technology and a robust public-private partnership model, we are addressing two critical issues facing Freetown: waste management and reliable energy access. Together, we are demonstrating what is possible when private sector innovation and Government collaboration come together to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future for Sierra Leone.”
As part of the development phase, CFM will support the Project team to develop a gender action plan and community development programme to support those local to the facility, developed in consultation with the communities and based on their priorities and needs.
