How many PV systems will be installed in Gambia?

Gambia’s Sustainable Energy Services Company is launching a tender to install 1,100 PV systems, ranging from 2 kW to 240 kW in size, on 1,000 schools and 99 health facilities.

Why should the Gambia invest in solar energy?

To match the rising demand and to provide sustainable and accessible energy to all Gambians, the potential for solar energy investment is immense in The Gambia. The government of The Gambia seeks to increase RE’s contribution to 40% from 2% presently in the coming years.

How much solar power does Gambia have in 2022?

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Gambia only had 2 MW of installed PV capacity at the end of 2022. Gambian utility Nawec recently started building a 23 MW solar project in Jambur, in Gambia's West Coast Region.

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

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.

What is the energy system in Gambia?

The Gambian electricity network mainly consists of minigrids that the government hopes to improve by transforming into hybrid minigrids, integrated with renewable energy generation capacity. With an electricity access rate of just 35%, Gambia introduced the Renewable Energy Act to promote clean energy in 2013.