Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Soliaris Africa Ltd. (Mark Cables FZE) for the development of the $169 million Soma Solar Park Phase II project.
The project will have a solar photovoltaic (PV) generation capacity of 148.44 megawatt-peak (MWp), supported by a battery energy storage system (BESS), aimed at strengthening the country’s electricity supply and improving grid reliability.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NAWEC Managing Director Gallo Saidy described the agreement as a significant milestone for the utility and a major step towards building a more sustainable and secure energy future.
Mountaga Sy, Vice President of Soliaris Africa Ltd., described the project as a “transformative milestone” and a “game changer” for renewable energy integration in The Gambia.
He said combining utility-scale solar generation with battery storage would improve grid stability, strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on conventional power generation and help make electricity more affordable for consumers.
Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, Nani Juwara, said the project was expected to generate approximately 250 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually once commissioned.
He said the additional generation capacity would help meet the country’s growing electricity demand while improving power supply reliability for households, schools, healthcare facilities and businesses.
The Soma Solar Park Phase II project forms part of The Gambia’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix, increase renewable energy generation and support long-term economic and social development.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Gambian President Adama Barrow.
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