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
H.E. Corrado Pampaloni, Ambassador of the European Union to The Gambia “This power plant is part of the “Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project” and it is particularly important for the achievement of a swift transition towards solar power and clean energy supply across the country.
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.
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.
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.
Mr. Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President at the European Investment Bank (EIB) “I am delighted that the European Investment Bank is supporting this new solar plan with such economic and social impact for populations in Gambia, particularly in rural areas.