Electricity in Gambia in 2021
The electrical consumption in Gambia is significantly lower than the global average. Standing at about 13 watts per person all derived from fossil fuels, it is less than one-thirtieth of the global mean of 412 watts per person. This limited access to electricity can slow economic growth, hinder educational opportunities, and even impact health services. The total reliance on fossil fuel-based generation also contributes negatively to climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the country is entirely self-reliant for its electricity needs, as there are no imports or exports of electricity to or from other regions.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Gambia can learn and draw inspiration from other countries with successful low-carbon energy programs, focusing mainly on nuclear, wind and solar. For instance, Denmark and Sweden have successfully integrated wind energy into their power grids, generating 369 and 363 watts per person, respectively. Considering Gambia's geographical positioning and climate, wind and solar could be viable options, akin to Australia’s success in incorporating solar power in their electricity generation, which stands at 147 watts per person. For nuclear energy, it might be beneficial to look at countries with similar characteristics. Although nuclear power generation requires substantial financial and technological investments, it offers a reliable and substantial source of low-carbon energy. Countries like Slovenia and Bulgaria, with limited resources, have been successful in implementing nuclear energy and stand at 301 and 273 watts per person respectively.
History
The data indicating the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Gambia is not given, so providing insights on its development throughout the years is not feasible. However, understanding its current energy mix provides a platform from where Gambia can explore and commence green sustainable energy sources. Using wind, solar, and potentially nuclear energy could significantly increase their electricity supply and provide a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the country. With the right technological investments and implementation, Gambia has the potential to become a front-runner in the use of clean and sustainable low-carbon electric power generation in its region.