The Government of The Gambia has signed agreements worth US$169 million with Solaris Africa Ltd for Phase 2 of the Soma Solar Park, a project expected to add 148.44 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar power generation capacity and 85 megawatts (MW) of battery storage.
The agreements were signed in the presence of President Adama Barrow, with the project expected to strengthen electricity supply and reduce the country’s reliance on fuel-based power generation.
The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Solaris Africa Ltd, a company of Mark Cables FZE.
The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs also signed an Implementation Agreement on behalf of the Gambian government.
The project combines 148.44 MWp of solar photovoltaic capacity with an 85 MW battery energy storage system. The battery component is expected to enable electricity generated during the day to be supplied to the national grid during evening peak-demand periods.
According to the project announcement, the additional storage capacity will help reduce dependence on costly fuel-based electricity generation while improving the reliability of power supply to households and businesses.
The US$169 million investment is described by the government as one of the largest private investments in The Gambia’s energy sector.
The signing forms part of President Barrow’s commitment to expanding access to reliable, affordable and clean electricity across the country.
