Similar to this project, another strategic initiative, the Gambia Sustainable Energy Project (GSEP) within the Gambia Renewable Energy Programme, - which aims to provide clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly energy to 1000 schools and 100 health facilities in rural areas of The Gambia currently lacking access to electricity - would also benefit significantly from this endeavor.
The project reduces the unemployment rate in The Gambia with 1,250 direct jobs created from the construction phase to operation and maintenance.
This project is part of the government’s Renewable Energy Programmewith strong support from the European Investment Bank, the European Union and the World Bank.
The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), along with the European Investment Bank, the European Union, and the World Bank, has recently inaugurated a new milestone in the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP). The Inauguration Ceremony, which was presided over by His Excellency Adama Barrow, the President of the Republic of The Gambia, celebrated the completion of a 23MWp Photovoltaic Solar plant in Jambur, Kombo South District, West Coast Region.
This project component consists in the construction of a new 23MWp solar park tied with 8MWh battery storage and aims to revolutionize power generation in the Gambia by serving as a direct complement to current generation sources while decreasing the dependence on import. These investments are all inherently tied to the Gambia’s Energy Sector Roadmap 2021-40.
A project with a strong economic and social impact
GERMP contributes to improving the livelihoods of populations within beneficiary communities, promoting job creation, and facilitating the provision of quality medical, educational and social services through better electricity supply. These improvements will contribute to the national objective of reducing poverty and boosting prosperity.
Now that it is operational, the project will progressively increase energy supply in The Gambia by a fifth and transform access to electricity in rural communities. The project will improve access to energy, ensure that education and health services benefit from reliable energy and help address electricity shortages in the country.
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
The European Union, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank have been strong partners of African countries for more than half a century. This project further strengthens their presence in Africa with strong collaboration between institutions. Over the past decade, the European Union, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank have invested in innovative technologies, green energy, water, education, agriculture, telecommunications, health and business in more than 40 countries on the continent.
In the context of this project, solar power and clean energy supply across the country is financed by the European Investment Bank (EUR 65m), the European Union (EUR 40m) and the World Bank (EUR 36m).
