Jambur Solar Power Station


The Jambur Solar Power Station, is an operational 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.

Location

The 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. Jambur Solar Power Station sits on approximately of land, about, southwest of the city of Banjul.

Overview

Jambur Solar Power Station, is a component of the "Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project", a US$165 million infrastructure project financed by the European Investment Bank, the European Union and the World Bank. The GERMP comprises the erection of the 23 MW JSPS, the construction and connection of an 8MWh battery energy storage system, 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.

Developers

The power station was developed by the Gambian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and The National Water and Electricity Company, with funding from the EIB, EU and the WB.

Construction costs, funding, and commissioning

The engineering, procurement and construction contract was awarded to Tebian Electric Apparatus, a Chinese engineering and construction company. TBEA was also awarded a three-year operations and maintenance contract. The table below illustrates the sources of funding for the infrastructure project.
RankDevelopment PartnerContribution in EurosUS$ EquivalentPercentageNotes
1European Union40.0 million43.2 million26.18Loan
2European Investment Bank65.0 million70.2 million42.55Loan
3World Bank36.0 million38.9 million23.58Loan
4Government of Gambia11.8 million12.7 million7.70Equity
Total152.8 million165.0 million100.00

  • Note: Totals may be slightly off due to rounding.
Construction began in February 2023. Commercial commissioning was achieved in March 2024.