In the North Bank region of Gambia, Jinack Island is an important site both ecologically and socially. This island is home to the Nuimi National Forest Park as well as the Kajata and Niji communities. However, due to environmental, social, and biodiversity concerns, the island has been excluded from a power grid extension project.
But don't worry, a sustainable solution is currently being developed: the installation of a green mini-grid! 🌞
The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, with the support of UNDP, has commissioned MRV Energy to lead a detailed technical feasibility study for a green mini-grid (GMG) and an Environmental And Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) related to the GMG. The aim is to electrify Jinack Island in a responsible and sustainable way, while preserving the environment and improving the living conditions of local communities.
This project is an example of the growing willingness of African governments to promote a more sustainable economy and provide clean and affordable energy to their populations. Gambia, which faces significant challenges in accessing energy, seeks to take advantage of this opportunity to meet the needs of its population while minimizing environmental impacts. Indeed, Gambia's national green mini-grid program (GMG), supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), aims to create an enabling environment for private sector investment in green mini-grids to expand energy access to 60% of the country's 1.91 million inhabitants.
In the case of the project, the completion of our mandate is essential to allow the client to move to the next phase of their project. In fact, these studies enable them to issue tender documents for the construction works. Although several solutions have been identified for electrifying the communities of Kajata and Niji, the terms of reference specifically request the study of a green mini-grid (GMG). Two options are possible: biomass or solar photovoltaic. However, due to the abundance of solar resources, the second option seems to be the most likely.
👉 But what exactly is a green mini-grid?
In fact, it's quite simple. It is a system for the production and distribution of electricity that supplies a small, isolated group of clients with energy and operates independently of the national power grid. Green mini-grids produce a significant portion of their energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, or hydropower.
Let's take the example of an isolated village that has no access to the national power grid. To meet the energy needs of the local community, a green mini-grid can be installed. This network would include several elements: for example, solar panels to generate electricity, a battery to store the energy produced, a distribution system for homes and businesses in the village, and a management system to supervise the operation of the mini-grid. The solar panels would generate electrical energy from sunlight. This energy would be stored in the battery, which would then be used to power the homes and businesses in the village via the distribution system. The management system would supervise the operation of the mini-grid, monitoring the production and consumption of electricity, managing the battery charge, and carrying out repairs if necessary. Ultimately, the villagers would benefit from reliable and affordable access to electricity. In addition, the use of renewable energy sources such as the sun would help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the impact on the environment.
In brief, green mini-grids represent a significant opportunity to improve access to electricity in Gambia, and MRV Energy is ready to take on the challenge. We are committed to conducting thorough studies to ensure that the electrification of Jinack Island is done in a responsible and sustainable way.
After conducting appropriate climate studies and noting the absence of nearby waterfalls or currents, solar energy was ultimately chosen as the solution. The abundance of solar resources also confirmed this decision. Our engineers assigned to the project precisely analyzed the energy needs of the two neighbouring villages, Kajata and Niji, detailing the load profile estimates for each infrastructure, including households, a secondary school, a hospital, a restaurant, a mosque, and public lighting. Based on this estimation, the sizing phase will determine the most suitable type of solar power plant to meet the needs of the communities on the island of Jinack.
💡 Stay tuned for the latest updates on the project's progress!
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