- Guinea-Bissau has connected to the regional power grid, linking it with Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea to improve electricity reliability in Bissau.
- The interconnection relies on the Kaléta hydroelectric plant in Guinea, which will supply up to 80 MW to Guinea-Bissau.
- The project strengthens regional energy security and helps Guinea-Bissau reduce reliance on costly, environmentally harmful thermal power.
Guinea-Bissau has officially joined the regional power grid, linking it with Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea. This connection will improve electricity stability in Bissau, which has experienced frequent power outages.
The connection is part of a project led by the Organisation pour la mise en valeur du fleuve Gambie (OMVG). The initiative aims to provide more reliable energy to Bissau. The interconnection relies primarily on the Kaléta hydroelectric plant in Guinea, inaugurated in 2015. The plant has an installed capacity of 240 megawatts (MW), but its output drops to 30 MW during the dry season.
Senegal and The Gambia already benefit from the Kaléta connection. Guinea-Bissau will now receive up to 80 MW, supplying Bissau and nearby areas. The interconnection strengthens regional energy security and addresses Guinea-Bissau’s energy challenges.
Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow celebrated the achievement at the inauguration ceremony. Ministers from Senegal and Guinea also attended the event. The completion of this project marks a significant milestone for regional energy cooperation.
Before the interconnection, Bissau met its energy needs, estimated at 30 MW, with a local thermal power plant. A Turkish ship also provided electricity but stopped operations in January, anticipating the Kaléta connection. The country’s electricity provider, Eau et Électricité de Guinée Bissau (EAGB), struggled with financial difficulties, limiting its ability to offer a stable supply.
The country has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the region. Many areas outside Bissau remain without power, and the nation remains among the least developed, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Chronic political instability, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure have long hindered progress in the energy sector.
The commissioning of the power interconnection will help Guinea-Bissau better integrate into the regional energy market. It also represents a step toward strengthening energy security among OMVG member states. By optimising regional hydroelectric resources, the project will provide a more consistent energy supply across the region.
The regional power grid also enhances energy cooperation among the four countries. It supports efforts to meet growing energy demands while improving sustainability. Guinea-Bissau, one of the region’s most energy-deprived nations, stands to benefit greatly from the project.
Despite the challenges, the interconnection provides a long-term solution to the country’s energy problems. It is expected to improve electricity availability in Bissau and contribute to economic development. The project’s completion signals a positive future for energy cooperation in West Africa.
The interconnection will also help Guinea-Bissau reduce its reliance on costly and environmentally harmful thermal power. Switching to hydroelectric power offers a cleaner and more sustainable option, aligning the country with regional energy goals.