Gambia power supply side energy storage project

What is the power sector program in the Gambia?

In 2021, MCC designed a four-year $25 million Power Sector Program in The Gambia, which will provide tools over a multi-year period for the Gambian government to improve the country’s electricity sector. The AGOA Act provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for most Sub-Saharan countries, including The Gambia.

Why should the Gambia invest in a solar plant?

Further to this, as a clean energy source and a major vehicle for climate change mitigation, the solar plant will contribute to the realisation of The Gambia’s Nationally Determined Contributions”. Mr. Nani Juwara, Managing Director at National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) “The significance of this solar plant cannot be overemphasized.

Why is NAWEC launching a solar plant in the Gambia?

This marks the first time in the Gambia’s history where a utility scale solar plant of 23 Megawatts Solar PV capacity and 8-Megawatt hours battery storage is being commissioned. This solar plant allows NAWEC to finally shift away from expensive heavy fuel oil-based generation which is costly and harmful to the environment.

How does a large scale solar PV project benefit the Gambia?

The project contributes to gainful employment creation in The Gambia with 1,250 direct jobs created from the construction phase to operation and maintenance. To ensure sustainability, a three-year operations and maintenance contract (O&M) has been signed as large scale solar PV is entirely new to the sector.

Will a new solar plant increase energy demand in the Gambia?

Energy demand in The Gambia has increased by 5.5% per year in recent years and today’s connection of the new 23 MWp solar plant to the national energy grid will significantly increase Gambia’s current generation capacity of 98 MW and enable electrification of rural areas. A strong commitment

Is Gambia ready for a new era of renewables?

Gambia: strong international support for a new era of renewables with inauguration of historic 23 MWp solar plant A significant strategic project with strong substantial economic and social impacts, the recently inaugurated solar photovoltaic plant in Jambur is poised to supply electricity to approximately 18,500 households.