Liberia Electricity Corporation and JICA Advance Diesel Generator Maintenance Training
The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) recently convened a Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to review progress on a capacity‑building initiative focused on diesel generator maintenance. The gathering, held in Monrovia, brought together senior officials from Liberia’s Ministry of Energy, LEC’s Thermal Generation Division, and JICA’s technical team to assess achievements and outline next steps.
Project Scope and Training Outcomes
The joint project, launched in early 2023, delivered a blend of classroom instruction and hands‑on practice targeting the standard 2,400‑hour maintenance cycle for LEC’s diesel generators. Participants learned diagnostic procedures, preventive‑maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting techniques directly applicable to the utility’s thermal assets.
According to Saidu SK Jalibah, Operations Manager of LEC’s Thermal Generation Division, the training “significantly improved employees’ knowledge and practical skills, enabling quicker fault identification and reducing downtime.” He added that the updated operation and maintenance plan now incorporates the newly acquired best practices, which are expected to enhance equipment reliability and overall power‑generation efficiency.
Preparing for an Expanded 20,000‑Hour Maintenance Program
Building on the initial success, LEC and JICA are preparing to scale the curriculum to support a 20,000‑hour maintenance interval. This longer‑cycle approach aims to extend the service life of generators, lower lifecycle costs, and strengthen Liberia’s backup power capacity during periods when hydropower output or other renewable sources fall short of demand.
The upcoming phase will include:
- Advanced modules on predictive‑maintenance analytics
- Specialized workshops on fuel‑system optimization
- Certification pathways aligned with international standards (e.g., ISO 55000 asset management)
Strategic Importance of Thermal Generation
LEC’s Thermal Generation Division remains a cornerstone of the national power system, providing essential backup when hydropower reservoirs are low or when grid stability requires supplemental generation. By investing in workforce development, the utility seeks to ensure that these critical assets can be operated safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
Deputy Minister of Energy Charles Umehai emphasized that “human capital is the most valuable resource in modernizing Liberia’s electricity sector.” He noted that continued collaboration with development partners like JICA is vital for translating technical expertise into tangible service improvements for consumers across the country.
Meeting Participants and Acknowledgments
The JCC meeting was attended by:
- Deputy Minister of Energy – Charles Umehai
- LEC Deputy Managing Directors for Operations, Technical Services, and Administration
- Directors of Strategy, Corporate Affairs, and Revenue Protection Departments
- JICA experts: Chief Consultant Jujii Kyoji, Technical Planning and Management Expert Iwago Mikiko, and Senior Representative Ito Miwa from the JICA Ghana Office
LEC management expressed gratitude for JICA’s sustained technical support, describing the partnership as a model for effective knowledge transfer and capacity building in West Africa’s energy sector.
Through targeted training, clear maintenance roadmaps, and strong institutional collaboration, Liberia is taking measurable steps toward a more reliable and resilient power supply—one that can meet both current demand and future growth.
