Award-winning British actor Idris Elba aims to develop a wind farm in Sierra Leone with UK utility Octopus Energy.
Octopus said on Tuesday it had submitted detailed plans to the Sierra Leone government.
Next year, the team aims to start installing up to five turbines, a solar array, and a battery storage facility on Sherbro Island.
Once completed, it will generate clean power for around 2,000 homes on the island.
“I’m incredibly proud of the partnership and progress we’ve made on the Sherbro Island wind farm project with Octopus Energy since our announcement at COP28,” said Elba, who starred in hit TV series The Wire, Luther, and Hijack, andwhose father is Sierra Leonean.
“We’re building not just a wind farm, but a foundation for sustainable growth and energy independence in Sierra Leone. With the turbines scheduled for installation next year, it’ll stand as a powerful testament to our commitment to a cleaner, greener future for Sierra Leone and beyond.”
Only 5% of rural Sierra Leone had access to electricity. This project will provide power to the fishing industry, as well as schools, clinics and e-bikes.
The partners will team up with local universities to train young people in renewables and offer employment opportunities to maintain the wind farm.
Their aim, according to Octopus, is to build industries and future-proofed skilled jobs for the next generation of Sierra Leoneans – where 42% of the population is under 15 years-old.
The wind farm will provide data on local wind patterns and energy usage, helping unlock further renewable investments across Sierra Leone in the future.
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