Guinea-Bissau launches solar energy on a large scale

GThe first solar power plants in uinea-Bissau were launched. The World Bank has initiated development support plans aimed at decarbonizing the country’s electricity production and strengthening electrification.

The project involves the construction of several solar power plants near the capital Bissau, including a 30 MWp solar power plant. The power plants will be equipped with a battery storage system, which will enable effective management of energy distribution and support the power system.

The Government of Guinea-Bissau will also support the installation and operation of mini-grids by private partners on two or three of the Bijagós islands (Bolama, Rubane and Bubaque). The mini-grids will be powered by renewable energy. Approximately 500 kWp of photovoltaic power combined with batteries or diesel generators. These installations will supply electricity to 1,200 households, shops, hotels and other small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

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Benefits

The $30 million amount will be spent as a World Bank Group grant for the project, while the International Development Association (IDA) will support the project with $35 million, followed by a $2.65 million grant from the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). ). For its part, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is providing USD 10.5 million to implement a project to develop solar energy and access to electricity.

This project represents a transformative step for Guinea-Bissau, promising to improve the quality of life of its people through improved and affordable access to electricity, while promoting environmental sustainability and economic development. Once the project is completed, the aim is to increase electrification rates in Guinea-Bissau, where currently only 33% of the population has access to electricity, with a slightly higher electrification rate of 58% in the capital Bissau.