By Anna Marie Valentine
The Gambia Government is working hard to ensure people have clean and reliable electricity. The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines is leading the way by introducing new projects that use energy from the sun. This will help reduce pollution, cut down energy imports, and give more people access to power.
The Gambian Government wants to ensure that every home and business has affordable and reliable electricity. For this reason, the Government through the Ministry is working with partners to invest in renewable energy sources. By using more solar energy, the country can reduce its dependence on imports while improving its electricity supply, especially in rural areas.
The Government is making great strides toward a greener future, with a focus on ensuring access to clean and reliable electricity. The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines is leading several key initiatives aimed at harnessing renewable energy from the sun. These efforts aim to reduce pollution, import costs, and expand electricity access for more people across the country.
One of the country’s most significant renewable energy projects is the Jambur Solar Power plant with 23MW and 8MWH battery power, one of The Gambia’s largest solar power installations. The plant is now supplying electricity to the national power grid, helping to provide a more stable and sustainable energy supply for both homes and businesses. By tapping into solar power, the Jambur Solar Plant is reducing the nation’s dependence on energy imports and increasing the overall capacity of the electricity grid.
In addition to the Jambur solar plant, President Adama Barrow recently inaugurated a new solar mini-grid in Sarre Demba Torro during his tour of rural communities. This mini-grid is a game-changer for the area, the grid has a capacity of 120KW,224 panels, rechargeable batteries and a hybrid inverter system ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to the communities.
It is providing reliable electricity to households and businesses where the grid had previously been unavailable. By improving energy access in remote areas, the mini-grid is supporting local economic activities and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Sarre Demba Torro.
The Gambia has fully developed a 150MW regional solar pack power project, the first phase which is 50MW is being tendered, and upon successful implementation of the 50MW project, the second phase which will be 100MW will be also be tendered to scale up.
These projects are just part of The Gambia’s broader commitment to renewable energy. The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines continues to push forward with efforts to ensure that the goal of universal energy access by end 2025 is achieved.
Renewable energy is transforming The Gambia, not just by protecting the environment, but by creating opportunities for growth and improving the livelihoods of Gambians. The country’s shift to clean energy demonstrates how even a small nation can lead the way in sustainable development.
