By Lamin Kujabi
The Gambia has demonstrated commitment to its long term ambition of transitioning from fossil fuel electricity supply to clean energy by initiating the 23MWP solar photovoltaic plant in Jambur village, West Coast Region.
The initiative is part of the Gambia Renewable Energy- Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project (GERMP), and the plant is funded by World Bank, European Investment Bank and European Union at the tune of 110 million Euros.
On Saturday, March 9th President Adama Barrow was back in the Kombo South community of Jambur, following the laying of the foundation back February 2023, to commission the operation of the solar plant.
Addressing the gathering, the President explained that the project was designed to significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuel for electricity generation, and to accelerate the pace towards generating fifty percent of the nation’s power supply from renewable energy sources by 2030.
“This is our national target, and the message is clear: as a responsible member of the international community, The Gambia is committed to the global energy transition. The Plant project clearly demonstrates the country’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and greening our energy landscape,” he stated.
He added that the solar plant will contribute to the realisation of The Gambia’s Nationally Determined Contributions.
“Considering that the country has a vast potential to tap solar energy, this solar plant is part of an aggressive campaign to install more and bigger solar power plants. Our driving force is the ambition to achieve the nation’s sustainable energy policy goals,” the President further remarked.
He announced that Government is working with partners to implement a 150-MWP regional solar power park, and that the tender for the first 50 MWP will be launched in the second quarter of the year.
President Barrow expressed his government’s gratitude to the World Bank, the European Union, and the European Investment Bank, for funding the project; as well as to the contractor, consultant, and the project management team, for their “diligent work”.
Nani Juwara, Managing Director of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), commended the President and his government for the initiative; Energy and Petroleum Ministry in particular for their support, as well as the contractor for delivering quality work.
Mr. Corrado Pampaloni, Ambassador of European Union to The Gambia noted that the solar project is part of the rural electricity expansion project, and expressed optimism that it will address the power shortage in the country.
Feyi Boroffice, Representative of the World Bank, assured of the Bank’s continual support to Gambia Government to enable it improve its energy sector and to achieve universal access to electricity.
Madam Stoeva Svetla, Representative of European Investment Bank, stated that the project is projected to benefit over 800,000 people.
Ousman Bojang, Governor of West Coast Region welcomed the gathering to his region and praised the President for his commitment to providing clean and affordable energy to all Gambians.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by ministers, other senior government officials, service chiefs and people of the West Coast Region, among others.
