Can Guinea Bissau use solar energy?

Table 1: Solar insulation in a horizontal plan in Guinea Bissau With a yearly average of over 5.8 Kwh/m2/day (table 1), GB should be able to take advantage of all solar energy applications.

Are there wind turbines in Guinea Bissau?

Unfortunately, none were counted in Guinea Bissau. According to the current General Director of Energy in GB Eng. Fernando Benício no electrical wind turbines have been installed in GB and there are no projects in this area for the near future. Some few windmills have been spotted in some remote areas in GB but they are no longer working.

What techniques are used to produce electricity in Guinea Bissau?

The main techniques used for the production of electricity are dams but there are also other techniques such us: Run-of-the-river hydroelectric, pumped-storage hydroelectricity, Tidal power and wave power1. Guinea Bissau has an important site for the construction of a dam with a good potential for power generation.

What is the main source of biomass energy in Guinea Bissau?

The most ancient and still the most used today in African countries, is the wood coal and patches for cooking. In Guinea Bissau, it is the main source of biomass energy but not the only one. GB has recently started trying knew application of biomass energy.

What is the most popular solar application in Guinea Bissau?

As of today, the most popular solar application is the rural individual photovoltaic system that has been exploited in Guinea Bissau for the producing electricity to power houses, schools, offices and hospitals or health centers. Solar water pumping is the second most installed solar application in GB (Ex. PRS I and II in Table 2).

Why should SNV GB take action in Guinea Bissau?

SNV GB by taking this action will have everything to succeed because they have the experience of dealing with the rural population in Guinea Bissau, they have a good experience in the agricultural sector, they will be able to use the experience of the SNV of other countries and they will be able to follow the strategy used by other SNV offices.