As of 2023, electricity consumption in Gambia stands at about 189 kWh per person annually. This is significantly below the global average of 3,794 kWh per person. The total electricity generation in Gambia is entirely reliant on fossil energy, with close to none from low-carbon sources like solar or wind. This reliance not only contributes to climate change and air pollution but also constrains the potential benefits that increased access to clean electricity could provide, such as improved healthcare, education, and economic growth. The gap between Gambia and the global average indicates a pressing need for development in clean energy infrastructure to meet both current and future demands sustainably.

Is Electricity Growing in Gambia?

Looking at the trend, electricity consumption in Gambia appears to be decreasing, with the latest figure of 189 kWh per person showing a slight decline from the previous high of 194 kWh per person recorded in 2021. This decrease of around 5 kWh per person suggests stagnation in electricity growth, with no progress in expanding low-carbon electricity, as evidenced by the constant figure of 0 kWh per person for such sources dating back to 2000. This stagnation highlights the challenges Gambia faces in transitioning to a more sustainable electricity generation model, as the lack of growth in clean energy betrays a critical need for investment and development in this sector.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Gambia could learn from successful regions in solar and wind energy. For instance, countries like the People's Republic of China generate substantial electricity from solar and wind, making up more than 2,400 TWh combined. Similarly, India has made significant strides by harnessing both solar (192 TWh) and wind (124 TWh). Gambia could emulate these models, capitalizing particularly on its abundant sunlight to expand solar energy capacity. Additionally, drawing on nuclear success stories like that of France and South Korea, Gambia can explore potential collaborations or studies on establishing nuclear energy, which offers a stable and scalable low-carbon solution amidst the ever-growing energy demand on a global scale.

History

Historically, Gambia's low-carbon electricity generation has remained unchanged. Since the record-keeping began, there have been no significant changes in any year, leaving Gambia devoid of any contribution from low-carbon sources in its electricity mix. This lack of historical development in solar or nuclear energy contrasts sharply with the global trend of increasing low-carbon capacity. In many countries, these sources have enabled more sustainable energy systems, while Gambia’s history of maintaining status quo underscores an opportunity lost in achieving energy independence and sustainability. The continuous absence of progress calls for immediate and dedicated action to alter this historical trajectory in favor of a cleaner, more energy-secure future for Gambia.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade