The Gambia has officially opened a 23 MW solar power facility with 8 MWh of battery storage. This project is part of the Gambia Power Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP), which aims to provide universal access to power by 2025.
Impact of the New Solar Facility
The Gambia has inaugurated a 23 MW solar power facility in Jambur on its western coast. The project, which began construction in February, incorporates 8 MWh of battery storage and is expected to boost the country’s energy output by 20%, powering approximately 18,500 households, PV Magazine reported.
Overseen by Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company, the project created 1,250 direct jobs during its construction and includes a three-year maintenance contract.
A Step Toward National Energy Goals
President Adama Barrow emphasized the initiative as a pivotal step toward The Gambia’s goal of deriving 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
“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,” Barrow stated.
International Partnerships and Funding
The Jambur plant is part of the GERMP, an initiative backed by the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the European Union. Together, they are contributing $141 million toward the $165 million project, supporting the country’s push to achieve universal electricity access by 2025.
According to Feyi Boroffice, the World Bank’s resident representative to The Gambia, this goal is being advanced by enhancing the country’s medium- and low-voltage networks. He added that the GERMP will extend electricity to over 700 communities for the first time, marking a major milestone in the nation’s history.
Expanding Solar Initiatives in The Gambia
Given its favorable geography and climate, The Gambia is prioritizing greater investment in clean and reliable renewable energy, particularly solar energy.
Several other key projects are also driving this progress. The Renewable Energy Potentials in The Gambia (REPGam) project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, is training over 200 Gambians in renewable energy technologies.
Another significant initiative, the Gambia Solar Energy Project (2007–2012), provided sustainable lighting and energy to rural schools by installing solar energy systems.
Attracting Solar Energy Investment
Investors are increasingly drawn to solar energy projects in The Gambia, thanks to promising market dynamics driven by population growth, expanding businesses, and rapid urbanization.
The country’s appeal is further enhanced by its ideal conditions for solar generation and the government’s goal to raise renewable energy’s share to 40% in line with the Paris Climate Accords.
To attract investors, The Gambia has implemented strategic measures like fiscal incentives and regulatory enhancements. These efforts, combined with a stable business climate and a liberal economy, make it an appealing destination for long-term renewable energy investments.
