Laymah Kollie
In a major step toward promoting renewable energy and achieving climate commitments, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Mines and Energy, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has concluded a two-day technical exchange meeting focused on net metering.
Held from July 28–29, 2025, at the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Monrovia, the event brought together technical experts from The Gambia and Liberia, with support from the MRV for Climate Action initiative.
The exchange, organized in collaboration with several line ministries and agencies, aimed to deepen Liberia’s understanding of net metering and its strategic role in meeting the country’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
The sessions featured expert presentations, policy discussions, and knowledge sharing on frameworks that facilitate renewable energy access for both urban and rural communities.
In opening remarks, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA, placed net metering at the heart of Liberia’s strategy to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Under the country’s updated climate plan, Liberia has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 64% below business-as-usual levels by 2030.
“Net metering is not just a technical mechanism,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated. “It is a strategic policy tool that supports energy democracy, empowers communities, and directly contributes to achieving Liberia’s NDCs.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo elaborated on the concept of NDCs as binding national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, updated every five years, and critical to limiting global warming to 1.5–2°C.
He then explained the role of net metering in this context — allowing households and businesses to generate their own solar electricity, use what they need, and feed surplus energy into the national grid in exchange for credits or lower electricity bills.
“Net metering drives down emissions, reduces pressure on the national grid, and opens up new economic opportunities for Liberians,” he emphasized.
“It strengthens our ability to track and report emissions reductions, which is crucial for transparency and unlocking climate finance.”
To translate policy into action, Dr. Yarkpawolo proposed several key recommendations: the enactment of a National Net Metering Regulation, integration of net metering data into NDC reporting systems, provision of incentives for adopters, and broad public awareness campaigns.
He further called for coordinated efforts among critical institutions — including the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), and the EPA — to ensure a smooth and effective rollout.
Delivering a special statement on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye underscored the significance of regional collaboration in advancing a just energy transition.
“This exchange will ensure that our net metering framework is not only technically sound but socially inclusive and economically viable,” said Minister Paye. “It reflects Liberia’s commitment to cleaner energy and stronger regional integration.”
The Gambia’s delegation offered valuable insights into their net metering experience. Bafoday Sanyang from the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines presented on Gambia’s energy policy goals, while Burama Jammeh of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) shared details of the country’s legal and regulatory frameworks for net metering.
Both experts highlighted how net metering has helped The Gambia expand access to renewable energy, increase public-private participation, and improve energy resilience.
As Liberia aims to implement its NDC 3.0 and scale up renewable energy adoption, the technical exchange marked a timely and strategic engagement.
According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, net metering is not a futuristic concept but a present-day opportunity for Liberia to accelerate its green transition, decentralize power generation, and attract climate-smart investments.