Project Name:
Consultancy Services for Undertaking Environmental, Social & Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) for 4 Solar PV Plants for 50 MW in Four (4) Districts in Sierra Leone. The study included Wet and Dry Seasons Biodiversity Assessment.
Date:
2022
Country:
Sierra Leone
Client:
Frontier Energy/ Planet Solar Energy (SL) Ltd, Freetown – Sierra Leone
Partner:
None
Project Description
Planet One Energy Limited intended to develop four (4) different PV solar power projects with a combined design capacity of 50MW, located in four different locations in Sierra Leone: Kono in Koidu District, Makoth in Bombali District, Port Loko in Port Loko District, and Bo/Bandajuma in Bo District. Planet One Energy was seeking finance for the construction and operation of the Project from Frontier Energy, to be one of the investors in the project.
In order to comply with Sierra Leone’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements, Planet Solar Energy had prepared an Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) Study report for the 4 sites and obtained an EPA Licence in 2019. An Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) was further undertaken in 2021, which established some gaps in the report and recommended an ESHIA Study Addendum. The ESDD also recommended that the 4 sites ESHIA Addenda be standalone. Panafcon Ltd was commissioned to carry out this assignment.
The Main aim of this consultancy was to address the observed gaps in the ESIA documents as identified by the Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) Study carried out in September 2021 and prepare independent Addendum ESHIA Reports for each of the 4 sites. This Addendum study was carried out in compliance with the Environmental Legislation of Sierra Leone, IFC Performance Standards and best international practice.
The upgrade ESHIA Study was intended to:
- Provide detailed project descriptions that identify all project components per site.
- Compile site-specific baseline data on flora, fauna and physical environment;
- Update project impacts and mitigation measures for each site.
- Provide site-specific socio-economic baseline data.
- Carry out and document any consultations and improve on the Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs);
- Improve the Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).
- Prepare accurate and clear site project maps containing all project details and identify the location of any affected households that require relocation.
- Prepare an ESHIA Study Report that meets national regulations and IFC requirements.
- Prepare site-specific Addendum ESHIA Report for each of the 4 sites.
The project was completed, allowing the four projects to be implemented.
Building Success Together
Each project we undertake reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and lasting impact. If you’re looking for a trusted partner to deliver excellence on your next project, let’s start the conversation today.