The Gambia is set to boost its renewable energy capacity with the construction of a 120 MW solar power plant by Turkey’s Kalyon Enerji. Located in the Lower River region, the project marks a major step toward energy independence and will significantly expand the country’s solar capabilities.
Details of the Solar Energy Agreement
Kalyon Enerji and the Gambian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the solar power plant. Reached during the 4th Turkish-African Business and Economic Forum in Istanbul, the agreement will enhance The Gambia’s renewable energy infrastructure and support its transition to a more sustainable energy system.
Under the agreement, Kalyon Enerji will build and operate the solar power plant for 30 years and establish the necessary infrastructure for energy transmission, ensuring the generated power reaches the national grid. Once operational, the plant will significantly contribute to the country’s electricity supply, providing clean and affordable energy to thousands of homes and businesses.
The project is expected to create jobs in The Gambia during both its construction and operational phases, providing much-needed employment opportunities and stimulating regional economic growth. This aspect is a key highlight in recent Gambia investment news.
Supporting The Gambia’s National Energy Goals
The solar power plant aligns with The Gambia’s National Energy Policy, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix. By harnessing its abundant solar resources, The Gambia can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and minimize the environmental impact of energy production.
The Gambia has been actively seeking to diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, especially as the country’s energy demand grows steadily with its population and economy. Solar energy offers a sustainable solution to meet this rising demand while lowering carbon emissions, a strategy also seen in projects like the Guinea-Bissau Solar Energy Scale-up and Access Project.
The Gambian government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming for 30% of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2030. The new solar plant will be a key contributor to achieving this goal, helping the country move toward a greener and more sustainable energy future.
Kalyon Enerji’s Global Expertise
Known for its expertise in renewable energy projects, particularly in solar and wind power, Kalyon Enerji has successfully implemented large-scale solar projects in Turkey and other countries, showcasing its ability to deliver high-quality and reliable energy solutions.
This experience in developing and managing renewable energy projects makes Kalyon Enerji a valuable partner for The Gambia as it seeks to expand its energy infrastructure. Their involvement ensures the project will be executed with the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability.
The solar power plant in The Gambia is part of Kalyon Enerji’s broader strategy to expand its presence in Africa and contribute to the continent’s renewable energy development. This investment reflects the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy projects that benefit local communities and the environment.
As the world shifts toward renewables, The Gambia’s collaboration with Kalyon Enerji positions it as a leader in sustainable development in West Africa. The solar power plant is not just a milestone for the country’s energy sector but also a potential model for other nations looking to transition to clean energy.
