The Jambur Solar Power Station (JSPS), is an operational 23 MW (31,000 hp) solar power plant in Gambia. The power station began commercial operations in March 2024. It is owned and was developed by the government of Gambia, with funding from the European Union, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank. The power generated here is integrated into the Gambian national electricity grid, through the National Water and Electricity Company network.[1][2]
| Jambur Power Station | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country | Gambia |
| Location | Jambur, Kombo North District, West Coast Division |
| Coordinates | 13°18′23″N 16°41′26″W / 13.30639°N 16.69056°W |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | 4 February 2023 |
| Commission date | 25 March 2024 |
| Construction cost | US$165 million |
| Owner | Government of the Gambia |
| Solar farm | |
| Type | Flat-panel PV |
| Site area | 31.1 hectares (77 acres) + 8MWh Bess |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 23 MW (31,000 hp) |
Location
editThe power station is located in the community called "Jambur", in Kombo North District, in the Brikama Local Government Area, southwest of Banjul, the capital city of the country and south of the Gambia River.[3] Jambur Solar Power Station sits on approximately 31.1 hectares (77 acres) of land,[4] about 37.5 kilometres (23 mi), southwest of the city of Banjul.[5]
Overview
editJambur Solar Power Station, is a component of the "Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project" (GERMP), a US$165 million infrastructure project financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union (EU) and the World Bank (WB). The GERMP comprises the erection of the 23 MW JSPS, the construction and connection of an 8MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), the improvement of transmission and distribution electricity network in the country and the improvement of electricity connections to schools and health facilities. The project is expected to create 1,250 direct jobs during the construction, operation and maintenance phases.[6]
Developers
editThe power station was developed by the Gambian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), with funding from the EIB, EU and the WB.[6]
Construction costs, funding, and commissioning
editThe engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract was awarded to Tebian Electric Apparatus (TBEA), a Chinese engineering and construction company. TBEA was also awarded a three-year operations and maintenance (O&M) contract.[6][7] The table below illustrates the sources of funding for the (GERMP) infrastructure project.[6][7]
| Rank | Development Partner | Contribution in Euros | US$ Equivalent | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | European Union | 40.0 million | 43.2 million | 26.18 |
Loan |
| 2 | European Investment Bank | 65.0 million | 70.2 million | 42.55 |
Loan |
| 3 | World Bank | 36.0 million | 38.9 million | 23.58 |
Loan |
| 4 | Government of Gambia | 11.8 million | 12.7 million | 7.70 |
Equity |
| Total | 152.8 million | 165.0 million | 100.00 |
- Note: Totals may be slightly off due to rounding.
Construction began in February 2023.[3] Commercial commissioning was achieved in March 2024.[2]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Jean Marie Takouleu (3 April 2024). "With the support of the EU, Gambia embarks on large-scale solar energy production". Afrik21.africa. Paris, France. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ a b CCE News (13 March 2024). "The Gambia commissions Jambur Solar Plant". CCE Online News. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ a b Jean Marie Takouleu (10 February 2023). "Gambia: China's TBEA Launches Construction of Jambur Solar Power Plant". Paris, France. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ Power Technology (31 January 2024). "Profile of Jambur Solar Power Station". GlobalData. New York City. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ "Road Distance Between Banjul City, Gambia And Jambur Solar Power Station, Jambur, Gambia" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d NAWEC (27 March 2024). "About Jambur Solar Plant". National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC). Banjul, Gambia. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
- ^ a b Faridat Salifu (4 April 2024). "Gambia Launches 23 MWp EU Funded Solar Energy". Nature News Africa. Abuja, Nigeria. Retrieved 10 April 2024.