Micro grid power The Gambia

What is the electricity system in the Gambia?

The existing electricity network in The Gambia consists of a number of separate 33 kV and 30 kV systems fed from local power plants throughout the country. On-going projects are developing the transmission grid to interconnect these systems and establish interconnections with neighbouring systems.

Should MV grid be strengthened in the Gambia?

Reinforcement of the MV grid from Farafenni or via a cable across the river from Banjul are alternatives that may be considered if the western corridor does not present a viable solution. Transmission developments in The Gambia should be considered in relation to regional options.

How much power does the Gambia have?

As described in the previous section, transmission linkages will create a unified national network by 2022-23. As of mid 2021, the total net installed capacity in The Gambia is 154.5 MW of reciprocating engines, but only 97.0 MW are currently available for power generation.

What is a critical path to achieving universal electrification in the Gambia?

Critical path items are as follows: institutional strengthening, particularly NAWEC’s 2019-25 Strategic Development Plan. Within the African continent, achieving universal electrification by 2025 will be a significant achievement in which The Gambia will be able to be justifiably proud.

Are biomass power plants suitable for the Gambia?

However, biomass candidate power plants were excluded from the analysis as they were considered by NAWEC inadequate technologies for The Gambia. The potential of wind capacity in The Gambia is estimated to be approximately 197 MW with a capacity factor below 20% and 5 MW with a capacity factor higher than 30%10.

What is the potential of wind capacity in the Gambia?

The potential of wind capacity in The Gambia is estimated to be approximately 197 MW with a capacity factor below 20% and 5 MW with a capacity factor higher than 30%10. Generic wind farms were included in the least cost planning analysis and were modelled in blocks of 3.6 MW.