The initiative, supported by the World Bank's electricity restoration and modernisation project, pointed out a concerted effort to fortify the country's energy sector.
The events held on Thursday and Friday brought together different stakeholders such as The Gambia Standards Bureau, Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), and the Development Committee of the National Grid Code to mark the validation ceremony of a collaborative endeavour that culminated into clear rules and processes governing multiple points of electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
Solo Sima, deputy director general of PURA, in his remarks at the opening emphasised the significance of the Grid Code in ensuring the safe and reliable integration of diverse energy sources into the national network.
With the aim of enhancing accessibility and fostering regional power trade, Mr. Sima expressed confidence that the validated Grid Code would play a significant role in achieving the goal of universal electricity access by 2025.
He stated that PURA’s commitment is to foster an environment conducive to efficient power sector management. He also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to the development and validation process.
Musa Njie, acting director of Petroleum, Water and Energy at PURA, explained the Grid Code's role in promoting network security, safety and operational reliability. He lauded the collaborative efforts of stakeholders and expressed optimism that the validated Grid Code would serve as a robust foundation for partnership in strengthening the regulatory framework and advancing the nation's quest for universal electricity access.
Mr. Njie commended the dedication of the National Grid Code Development Committee and the lead consultant Marcelo Tardio from Centro Elettrotecnico Sperimentale Italiano (CESI) for their relentless efforts over the past six months in crafting a comprehensive validated Grid Code for the country.
Marcelo Tardio, lead consultant from CESI, thanked PURA and all stakeholders involved for the invested efforts in getting the project done brilliantly.
“As The Gambia charts a course toward a future characterised by accessible, affordable and reliable electricity, the validation of the Electricity Grid Code marks a significant stride in realising this vision,” Mr Tardio stated.
