Electricity in Gambia in 2022

In 2022, electricity consumption in The Gambia mainly relied on fossil energy sources, with close to none coming from low-carbon energy like solar or wind. This distinction is crucial as fossil energy contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, while clean energy sources are more environmentally friendly. The Gambia's per capita electricity consumption is significantly lower than the global average of 3606 watts per person, which indicates that the country may be experiencing limitations in its access to reliable and sustainable electricity. These limitations can hinder economic growth, affect the quality of life, and limit access to modern services and technologies essential for development.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, The Gambia can look to successful strategies employed by other nations. For instance, Brazil has made significant strides in using wind energy, generating almost 100 TWh, while countries like India have developed solar energy effectively, producing about 125 TWh of electricity. The Gambia could explore similar paths by harnessing its solar potential with scalable solar projects. Furthermore, considering the advancement and efficiency of nuclear energy generation as seen in countries like France and the United States, The Gambia may also consider long-term investments in nuclear energy to ensure a steady and clean power supply.

History

Historically, The Gambia has not significantly increased its low-carbon electricity generation, with data indicating no substantial developments in solar, wind, or nuclear energy over recent decades. As a small country, the focus might have been on meeting immediate energy needs primarily via fossil fuels rather than investing in large-scale clean energy infrastructure. There have been no notable declines in areas like nuclear energy, mainly because such infrastructure was never significantly developed. As the global focus shifts toward sustainable and clean energy solutions, The Gambia has an opportunity to learn from global advancements and build a robust low-carbon electricity framework that will support its developmental goals and reduce reliance on pollutants from fossil fuels.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources