Electricity in Gambia in 2022

In 2022, electricity consumption in Gambia was largely dependent on fossil fuels, with close to none of its electricity coming from low-carbon energy sources like wind, solar, or nuclear. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes to environmental challenges such as climate change and air pollution. In comparison to the global average, Gambia's electricity consumption is much lower, significantly below 3638 watts per person. These low levels of electricity generation could hinder economic growth and limit the potential for technological advancements, impacting sectors like healthcare, education, and industry that depend heavily on reliable electricity.

Suggestions

To boost its clean energy capacity, Gambia can look to countries that have effectively integrated low-carbon electricity sources. Brazil, for instance, has successfully harnessed a notable amount of electricity from wind, generating over 100 TWh. Given its coastal geography, similar to Gambia, Brazil’s model could serve as a practical example for expanding wind energy. Solar energy is another promising domain, exemplified by India, which generated 128 TWh, showing the potential of solar power in a sun-rich environment like Gambia. While nuclear power is not present in Gambia's current energy mix, it remains a valuable option for generating consistent, low-carbon electricity and can be considered for future development.

History

Historically, Gambia has not made significant strides in developing low-carbon electricity over the past decades. There have been no major increments in solar, wind, or nuclear power generation, keeping the clean energy footprint minimal. This has resulted in a stagnant state where advancements in sustainable energy technologies have been limited, underscoring the urgent necessity for strategic investments and policy support to transition towards a cleaner, more robust electricity system for the future. Countries with experience in shifting towards low-carbon electricity offer valuable lessons that Gambia can leverage to change its energy landscape.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources