Electricity in Gambia in 2022

In Gambia, the electricity consumption in 2022 remains very low compared to the global average. Most of the country's electricity is still predominantly generated from fossil fuels, with low-carbon energy sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear contributing close to none of the total electricity supply. The global average electricity consumption is about 3638 watts per person, indicating that Gambia falls significantly behind in terms of electricity usage. This limited electricity access can hinder economic growth, reduce quality of life, and limit educational and healthcare opportunities. More reliance on fossil fuels also contributes to air pollution and climate change, emphasizing the urgent need to shift towards clean energy sources.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Gambia can learn from countries that have successfully integrated wind and solar power into their grids. For instance, Brazil, a country with similar developmental challenges, generates over 100 TWh of electricity from wind, demonstrating the potential for harnessing wind energy in Gambia. Additionally, India, which successfully capitalized on solar power generating more than 120 TWh, offers an exemplary model for effectively utilizing solar energy in regions with abundant sunlight like Gambia. Furthermore, the implementation of nuclear power, as seen in countries such as South Korea and India, can provide a stable and reliable energy source. These examples highlight pathways Gambia could take to diversify its energy supply and enhance low-carbon electricity generation.

History

Historically, Gambia's progress in adopting low-carbon electricity has been minimal, with no significant increases in recent decades. As a result, there hasn't been a meaningful transition to clean energy sources in the country's electricity generation history. The focus has largely remained on fossil fuel consumption, and no nuclear power facilities have been established or expanded. This indicates an untapped opportunity for the nation to start investing in green energy solutions, following the proven strategies of countries that have undergone transformations in their energy systems by adopting wind, solar, and nuclear power. Gambia's future efforts in adopting these low-carbon technologies could lead to more sustainable and reliable electricity access for its population, fostering economic growth and mitigating environmental impacts.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources