"Liberia must move away from NGO Assistance to Debt Financing."- Comrade Academician Ballah Corvah(A Resident of the City of Burnsville, South Corridor of the Midwest, Minnesota of these United States)
By: Austin S Fallah, [email protected]., contributing writer
"Young Liberians as future leaders of a nation in need of its youth to move away from septic tank knowledge and argument to a world street young people's light(electricity)knowledge and thinking in the second quarter of the 21st century and beyond."-Austin S Fallah.
Energy efficiency is the "first fuel" for achieving social and economic emancipation, enabling nations and communities to grow without the burden of excessive resource consumption.
By reducing waste, energy efficiency lowers living costs, empowers disenfranchised groups, and creates millions of local jobs.
Numerous individuals and organizations have highlighted the social and economic benefits of energy efficiency.
Donnel Baird (Founder, BlocPower) believes the green energy industry can lift historically disenfranchised communities out of poverty.
Van Jones (Founder, Dream Corps): Emphasized building a green economy that creates great careers and lifts people out of poverty, benefiting both the environment and disadvantaged communities.
Fatih Birol (IEA Executive Director): Described energy as crucial for economic prosperity, with security, reliability, and affordability being key to sustainable growth.
Bernie Sanders (U.S. Senator): Pointed out that daily energy costs are higher than necessary due to inefficiency, highlighting the savings possible through investments in energy efficiency.
Lamar S. Smith: Suggested that increased national energy efficiency reduces the need to develop more energy sources.
Elizabeth May: Claimed that converting the electricity grid to green and renewable energy would lower the cost of living.
Joe Kaeser (Former Siemens CEO): Believed that prioritizing energy efficiency would accelerate a carbon-free future and the rise of a global middle class.
"Save power, empower the planet," "Energy efficiency: It's a win-win."-Unknown.
"Providing electricity energy today that lights the minds, eyes, intelligence, and academic of every Liberian, particularly, the young people and students for a better second quarter of the 21st century(25 years) and beyond in Liberia"- Austin S Fallah.
In the modern world, the cornerstone of socio-economic development lies in energy independence and security.
Nations thrive when they can provide equitable access to energy for their citizens, fueling industries, stimulating job creation, and enhancing quality of life.
As it stands, Liberia is in a precarious position regarding its energy policy; many citizens are left reliant on neighboring countries' grids due to inadequate electricity supply.
For Liberia to transition from being an energy liability to an energy powerhouse, significant steps need to be taken, starting with a thorough evaluation and consideration of the March 8, 2022, Frontpage Africa article and the April 27, 2024, Variety Liberian News article, as well as the four-page energy proposal by Energy Expert Christopher Neyor.
In this korero, I explore the necessity of energy independence for Liberia, the importance of inclusive policymaking free from partisan politics, and the key propositions in Neyor's groundbreaking proposal.
The Current Energy Landscape in Liberia:
Liberia's energy infrastructure is severely underdeveloped.
According to the World Bank, as of 2020, less than 20% of Liberia's population had access to electricity, with a significant number residing in the capital, Monrovia.
The few that do have electricity experience frequent outages and difficulties accessing reliable power.
The existing energy supply is primarily reliant on imports from neighboring countries, making Liberia an "energy liability" rather than a self-sufficient powerhouse.
This dependence is detrimental not only to the economy but also to the quality of life of citizens and the country's global standing.
Energy access, or the lack thereof, has a direct impact on numerous sectors, including education, business, and healthcare.
Students are often left to study at night under candlelight or kerosene lamps, while hospitals struggle to operate vital equipment due to unreliable electricity.
Moreover, businesses struggle to operate optimally, which hinders job creation and economic growth.
Therefore, to enhance overall national development, a robust energy strategy must be established.
The Vision and Goals of Christopher Neyor's Proposal:
At the forefront of this effort are Christopher Neyor's 2022 and 2024 energy proposals, which aim to address Liberia's persistent energy crisis by targeting key components of the energy sector.
Neyor's vision encompasses various aspects, from renewable energy initiatives to infrastructure development and policy reforms aimed at establishing a stronger regulatory framework for energy production and distribution.
One of the key aspects of Neyor's proposal is its emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower.
Given Liberia's rich natural resources and significant solar potential, investing in these alternative energy sources could not only reduce dependence on foreign energy imports but also position Liberia as a leader in renewable energy in West Africa.
Moreover, Neyor advocates public-private partnerships to fund energy projects, recommending the active involvement of local and international investors (e.g., General Electric) and other stakeholders.
Collaboration with development finance institutions is emphasized, as reliable funding will be crucial for executing ambitious energy projects.
The Role of Inclusivity and Non-Partisan Expertise in Policymaking:
One compelling argument for reviewing Neyor's energy proposal is that effective governance transcends political party affiliations.
Volatile political ideologies must not hinder vital conversations on national development, as they have in the past.
This principle is best exemplified by Robert M. Gates, who navigated the complexities within the U.S. Department of Defense across different administrations (Republican and Democratic) while maintaining the highest standards of national service.
Liberia's energy crisis is not merely a technical issue but a multifaceted problem that requires collaboration across varied sectors.
With contributions from dedicated Liberians, whether or not they are part of the current government, the country stands to gain from a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Lawmakers and policymakers must remain open to constructive criticism and innovative ideas from all sources, as a "one-size-fits-all" approach often proves detrimental to addressing the nuanced challenges within the nation's energy landscape.
Neyor's proposal must be integrated into this vision of inclusivity.
Engaging a diverse group of stakeholders in discussions on energy policy, including academics, engineers, environmentalists, and citizens, can help ensure that a range of perspectives are considered and the plan is attuned to the realities faced by various sectors of society.
Knowledge as the Foundation for Progress:
A salient quality of knowledge is its ability to transcend boundaries. It is a universal resource that fosters collaboration, innovation, and progress.
By engaging Liberians from diverse backgrounds, the nation can tap into a wellspring of ideas and interventions that may not have surfaced within the confines of partisan politics.
This point is further supported by global trends in energy development, where countries are increasingly relying on knowledge sharing and technological advances to build viable, sustainable energy systems.
For instance, recent technological breakthroughs in solar energy storage have opened avenues for greater efficiency and accessibility, thereby reducing costs associated with traditional power generation.
As knowledge circulates beyond political lines, Liberia must prioritize fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability in its energy policy.
By empowering every Liberian to engage in discussions on energy and development, the country will benefit from more holistic and sustainable solutions.
A Future Built on Collaboration and Innovation:
Liberia must acknowledge and address its energy challenges head-on by advocating for a timely review and consideration of Energy Expert Christopher Neyor's 20 energy proposals, as well as the 2024 energy proposal.
The vision of energy independence requires a concerted effort ingrained in inclusivity and collaborative policymaking.
The prescription for Liberia is clear: the nation must reject the notion that only those within the political sphere can contribute meaningfully to national dialogue.
Every Liberian has a role to play in creating a sustainable and reliable electricity supply, thereby facilitating socio-economic development and enhancing the overall quality of life.
By fostering a culture of innovation and ethical entrepreneurship, embracing collaboration, and redefining energy independence beyond partisanship, Liberia can emerge as an energy powerhouse, dispelling its current status as an energy liability.
By taking these measured steps, the nation creates opportunities, fosters growth, and secures a brighter future for all its citizens.
As I learned as a student at Harvard University, "knowledge, after all, knows no boundaries," and this collective wisdom can illuminate a sustainable path forward for Liberia.