The UNDP Liberia Greening Moonshot Initiative stands as a powerful example of sustainable energy integration aimed at cutting carbon emissions and strengthening the resilience of energy systems. Launched to significantly reduce the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Liberia's reliance on fossil fuels, this initiative has made remarkable strides in a relatively short period.

Completing a 25 KW solar system under the Moonshot Facility in 2022 marked a key milestone in the country office's energy infrastructure, helping reduce carbon emissions and reliance on diesel generators. It symbolized progress in UNDP Liberia's ongoing sustainable energy journey.

Before installing this new solar system, the office relied heavily on a 100 KW solar power setup. However, by 2022, this system faced operational challenges, causing inefficiencies and increased diesel generator usage. The swift integration of the 25 KW solar system revived the entire network, which has been operating smoothly ever since.

By 2024, the Moonshot-funded solar installation had produced an impressive 37.337 MWh of energy, translating to an average of 1.436 MWh per month. This consistent renewable energy output significantly reduced carbon emissions, with 12.7 tons of CO2 avoided since the system's launch. This achievement underscores the initiative's profound environmental impact and strengthens UNDP Liberia's alignment with broader sustainability goals to combat climate change.

Building on this success, the UNDP Liberia Country Office expanded its green energy infrastructure in 2024 by adding 50 KW of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and upgrading the battery capacity from outdated gel batteries to modern 60 KW lithium batteries. This enhancement raised the total solar capacity to 175 KW, with an estimated energy output of 100-110 MWh annually. This system now powers all lighting systems within the eight-floor One UN House, home to multiple UN agencies, making the building nearly self-sufficient in energy consumption.

The solar system's impact extends far beyond routine operations. It has become the primary power source for the UN compound's critical infrastructure, including the main data center, CCTV security systems, and perimeter security lighting. These essential services, crucial for data management and security, now operate with minimal disruptions, all powered by sustainable energy.

Perhaps the most significant achievement of the Greening Moonshot Initiative is the near elimination of the Country Office's reliance on diesel generators. Previously, the office depended almost entirely on these generators for power. Thanks to the solar upgrades and integration with the national grid, generator usage has been reduced to less than 1%. This reduction marks a substantial leap forward in decreasing the environmental footprint of the Country Office.

The Greening Moonshot Initiative also aligns with Liberia's broader climate ambitions. The initiative plays a crucial role in the country's ongoing efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing reliance on diesel and integrating solar energy with the national grid. Its success serves as a model for other institutions in Liberia, inspiring the adoption of cleaner energy systems and contributing to a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, the UNDP Liberia Greening Moonshot Initiative has been a resounding success. The initiative has significantly reduced diesel consumption and carbon emissions from the initial 25 KW solar installation to the expanded 175 KW capacity. The initiative showcases the tangible benefits of green energy adoption in West Africa by sustainably powering critical infrastructure and setting an example for others. With its continued commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices, Liberia will gain even greater environmental and economic rewards in the coming years.

"Empowering progress through innovation, the UNDP Liberia Greening Moonshot Initiative illuminates the path to a sustainable future by transforming challenges into opportunities and leading by the light of renewable energy."- ------------Shem Namayi (UNDP Liberia Moonshot focal person).

Featured from: UNDP Liberia builds resilience through solar self-sufficiency by UNDP Greening Moonshot - Exposure