Electricity in Gambia in 2023
Currently, the state of electricity consumption in Gambia is relatively limited, with a consumption rate of about 189 kWh/person in 2023. This figure reveals reliance primarily on fossil energy sources, as low-carbon or clean energy comprises close to none of the current generation. This consumption rate is significantly lower than the global average at 3813 kWh/person, which could have far-reaching effects on the country's economic growth, development, and quality of life. Insufficient electricity generation can impede economic activities, limit access to services like healthcare and education, and exacerbate socioeconomic disparities. The lack of clean, low-carbon energy sources means that the Gambia is also missing the opportunity to mitigate climate change impacts and reduce air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Gambia?
Analyzing the data, electricity consumption in Gambia is unfortunately not growing, with the latest figures showing a slight decline compared to earlier years. The historical record shows a consumption of 194 kWh/person in 2021, which has since slightly decreased to 189 kWh/person, a reduction of about 5 kWh/person. This stagnation is coupled with an unchanged and negligible generation of low-carbon electricity; both the most recent and historical records from the year 2000 indicate 0 kWh/person generated from low-carbon sources. This stagnation in growth, especially in the low-carbon sector, is a matter of concern as it reflects lost potential for sustainable growth and increased electricity access for Gambians.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Gambia can look to emulate successful strategies from countries that have effectively harnessed solar and wind energy. For example, India has been successfully expanding its solar capacity, generating about 134 TWh of electricity from solar alone. Similarly, Brazil has made notable progress in wind energy, producing 108 TWh. These countries, which share some climate similarities with Gambia, highlight the potential of solar and wind. Moreover, expanding clean energy infrastructure will provide not just environmental benefits but can also boost local economies through job creation in emerging energy sectors, thereby providing an avenue for Africa’s smallest mainland country to join the global transition to greener energy.
History
Historically, the Gambia has seen no substantial change in low-carbon electricity generation. There is no recorded growth in low-carbon electricity, such as nuclear and solar, throughout the historical data presented. Without this growth, it is crucial for Gambia to consider policies and investments in solar and potentially nuclear energy to reverse this trend. Learning from other countries that have successfully integrated low-carbon technologies at scale could serve as a helpful guide. These are pivotal times that demand decisive moves towards sustainable and clean energy projects to secure a more resilient future for the Gambia and its people.