By Anna Marie Valentine
The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Neo Themis, which will result to the development of a 10.5MW solar power plant project in The Gambia.
Neo Themis is one of the leading project developers and investors with an exclusive focus on incremental renewable power generation assets in sub-Saharan Africa. Neo Themis’ current portfolio is anchored on hydroelectric, solar, wind and greenhydrogen technologies.
One of the main focuses of the Ministry is to boost sustainable energy, in terms of solar and renewable energy.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Nani Juwara affirmed that the energy sector is a priority area for the development of the country, and that it is in alignment with its commitment to reducing climate damage. “This project falls in line with President Adama Barrow’s goal of universal energy access by 2025,” he noted.
The Minister expressed “his extreme confidence in the capabilities of Neo Themis’ team and their dedication to the project at hand”.
Madam Tas Anvaripour, the Chief Executive Officer of Neo Themis has praised the hard work and dedication of the Energy Department headed by the Director of Energy, Kemo K.Ceesay. About the initiative, Ms Anvaripour said the 10.5MW solar plant is just the beginning of their partnership with The Gambia. “We use renewable resources such as water and sun and this nation has been blessed with it; for that reason The Gambia is a great prospect for solar and renewable energy. Ihis IPP while small will open the door for larger plants in the future.”
She revealed that the 10.5MW project is the smallest project that Themis has undertaken but that they want to show The Gambia that they are willing to start small to show the capacity of the company. “The team at Themis has been incredibly impressed by the team and their desire to bring projects that will have an amazing impact on the people of The Gambia. So this 10.5MW is just the beginning of more incredible projects to come, and we promise to deliver the very best to you,” the CEO assured.
This solar plant will provide 800 communities with access to electricity.
The Ministry and NAWEC have demonstrated commitment to building the energy capacity of the country to become sustainable in energy supply.
