Publication date: 20 April 2026
Authors: SSRN
Description: Sierra Leone faces significant energy poverty, with only 27.5% of its population having access to electricity, while rural areas lag even further at 4.9%. The heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels and biomass wood exacerbates economic strain, environmental degradation, and social inequalities. This paper argues that Sierra Leone's legal system can accelerate renewable energy adaptation to enhance energy sovereignty by expanding rural electrification, reducing tariff costs, and mitigating climate change. The study examines the country's renewable energy potential, including hydropower, solar, and bioenergy, and analyzes the fragmented legal and policy frameworks governing the sector.
