Once operational, the scheme will increase energy supply by one fifth and transform electricity access in rural communities through the construction of a new photovoltaic plant at Jambur near Banjul, new power transmission and distribution infrastructure. The project will increase access to energy, ensure that education and health services benefit from reliable power and help to address current power shortages in the country.
Energy demand in Gambia has grown by 5.5% a year in recent years and the new 20 MWp solar power plant to the national energy grid will both significantly increase Gambia’s current generation capacity of 98 MW and enable electrification of rural areas.
In 2017, 47% of the population of the country had access to electivity, and a major electricity gap exists in rural areas. Moreover, electricity costs in the country are far higher than neighboring countries and fluctuate due to reliance on imported diesel
Under the scheme all 1,000 schools and 100 health centers in rural parts of the Gambia that currently have limited electricity access are expected benefit from reliable energy supply through new connections to the national energy network and provision of off-grid solar and battery systems.
A dedicated part of the European funding will support feasibility and environmental studies, technical training, new infrastructure to connect social services and regulatory assistance to allow renewable energy to be supplied to the NAWEC.
Source: European Investment Bank
