Expanding Solar Energy Access
Guinea-Bissau has embarked on a major solar energy project aimed at improving electricity access across the country. The government launched the $78 million project in the town of Gardete, located 15 kilometers east of the capital, Bissau. The initiative is part of the Guinea-Bissau Solar Energy Scale-Up Project, which seeks to expand the country’s electricity supply through solar energy.
Funded by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the French Development Agency, the project will add 15 megawatts of solar energy to the national grid. The project is expected to significantly increase the country’s electricity generation capacity and reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. To learn more about global solar initiatives, you can explore similar projects like the one in Suriname here.
The project will be implemented by the state-owned electricity company (EAGB) and the Ministry of Energy and Industry. It will involve the construction of solar parks and the expansion of the national grid to reach more communities. The project also includes a rural electrification program that will use solar energy to supply electricity to remote areas.
Transforming Guinea-Bissau solar energy landscape
Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Energy and Industry, Augusto Poquena, highlighted the importance of the solar energy project. He said the initiative would play a significant role in the country’s economic and social development. “This project will transform the energy landscape of Guinea-Bissau,” he said during the launch ceremony. “It will provide clean and reliable electricity to our people and help drive economic growth.”
The World Bank’s representative in Guinea-Bissau, Jean-Christophe Carret, also emphasized the project’s potential to improve the lives of citizens. “Access to reliable and affordable electricity is critical for the development of any country,” he said. “This project will help Guinea-Bissau achieve its energy goals and improve the living conditions of its people.”
The solar energy project is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. It will provide electricity to schools, hospitals, and businesses, improving the quality of life for thousands of people. The project will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels with clean energy.
Boosting economic and social development through Guinea-Bissau solar energy
The project is part of Guinea-Bissau’s broader efforts to expand its renewable energy sector. The country has abundant solar resources, with an average solar radiation of 5.5 kilowatt-hours per square meter per day. This makes it an ideal location for solar energy projects.
The government has set a target of achieving universal access to electricity by 2030. Currently, only about 20% of the population has access to electricity, with most of the supply coming from expensive and polluting diesel generators.
The solar energy project will help Guinea-Bissau reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and lower its energy costs. It will also contribute to the country’s efforts to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
The launch of the $78 million solar energy project marks a significant milestone in Guinea-Bissau’s journey toward sustainable energy. By harnessing its abundant solar resources, the country is taking a major step toward achieving universal electricity access and reducing its carbon footprint.
The project, supported by international partners, will provide clean and affordable energy to thousands of people, boost economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens across the country.
