Gambia Inaugurates a 23 MW Solar Power Facility

The Gambia has marked a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey with the official inauguration of the Jambur Solar Power Station. Located in the Kombo South District, this 23 MWp facility is the nation’s first utility-scale solar plant and includes an 8 MWh battery storage system to ensure a stable supply. The project is a cornerstone of the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP), a comprehensive initiative aimed at achieving universal electricity access by 2025.

A Major Boost as Gambia Inaugurates a 23 MW Solar Power Facility

President Adama Barrow, who presided over the commissioning ceremony on March 9, 2024, hailed the project as a critical step towards the country’s ambitious energy targets. “This is our national goal, and the message is clear: the Gambia is committed to the global energy transition as a responsible member of the international community,” President Barrow stated. The plant is set to increase the country’s generation capacity by 20 percent and provide clean electricity to an estimated 18,500 households.

The project, managed by the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), progressed rapidly from its foundation in 2023 to becoming operational in February 2024. During its construction phase, it created approximately 1,250 direct jobs for local communities.

Strengthened by International Partnerships for Gambia Inaugurates a 23 MW Solar Power Facility

The GERMP initiative, with a total cost of $165 million, is heavily supported by international collaboration. Key partners, including the World Bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Union (EU), have contributed $141 million towards the project. This funding is not only for generation but also for enhancing the medium- and low-voltage networks across the country.

Feyi Boroffice, the World Bank’s resident representative, highlighted the transformative impact of the project, noting that GERMP will extend electricity to over 700 communities for the first time. This expansion is a landmark achievement in the nation’s development history, as reported by industry media.

Fostering a Climate for Green Investment After Gambia Inaugurates a 23 MW Solar Power Facility

Leveraging its ideal climate for solar power, The Gambia is actively encouraging further investment in clean and reliable renewable energy. The government aims to raise renewable energy’s share in the national grid to 40%, in line with its commitments under the Paris Climate Accords.

This commitment is supported by other programs, such as the Renewable Energy Potentials in The Gambia (REPGam) project, which is training hundreds of Gambians in green technologies. Past initiatives, like the Gambia Solar Energy Project, have also been instrumental in deploying solar energy systems to power rural schools. With strategic fiscal incentives and a stable economic environment, The Gambia is positioning itself as an attractive destination for long-term renewable energy investments.

Sources

1. Jambur Solar Power Station – Wikipedia
2. Gambia to Enjoy 23 MW Solar Power Supply by Feb 2024
3. President Barrow to Commission 23 Mega Watts Solar Plant in Jambur
4. Gambia: strong international support for a new era of renewables …
5. Inauguration ceremony of the historic 23 MW Solar PV Plant with …
6. Gambia commissions 23 MW solar plant – PV Magazine
7. THE INAUGURATION OF HISTORIC 23MW SOLAR PV PLANT …