Why is energy important in the Gambia?

The availability of adequate, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy is a critical milestone in the socio-economic development of any country. While less than half of all households in The Gambia have access to elec-tricity, over 90% are still dependent on solid biomass for cooking and heating. This has intensified poverty.

Should Gambia invest in the energy sector?

Future investment only occurs if there is sufficient confidence that investors today are gaining good returns. The Gambia has an attractive investment environment in tourism and other develop-ment sectors. it needs to broaden this to the energy sector. That means building its own capacity to implement its policies to promote and support Re.

Does the Gambia have solar energy resources?

The Gambia has significant solar energy resources which can be deployed via solar PV plants, which have become price competitive with thermal plants and attractive for advancing national renewable energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. IRENA (2018) has estimated national solar potential at 428 MW.

Will re be a part of the Gambia's energy future?

The Gambia has already started this process by setting up a strong policy that includes Re as part of its energy future. it is in the process of building the institutional and legal framework that will help to deliver this promise.

Is re a solution to energy problems in the Gambia?

Policy makers across africa have been among the last to embrace Re as a solu-tion to their energy problems. They are often locked into crisis management on a day-to-day basis. The country’s policy makers need to be persuaded that Re has a real future in the energy mix of The Gambia. They need to demonstrate this by their actions.

Why did Gambia not import energy?

In countries that export large amounts of energy, falling energy prices can also cause major economic shocks. Gambia did not import energy. Energy sources, particularly fossil fuels, are often transformed into more useful or practical forms before being used.