- World Bank funds Guinea-Bissau’s first solar power plants for decarbonisation and expanded electricity access.
- The World Bank, IDA, ESMAP, and GCF committed $78.15 million to support solar energy development.
- The project includes multiple solar plants near Bissau and mini-grids on Bijagós islands and aims to benefit 1,200 households and SMEs.
The World Bank announced significant financial backing for Guinea-Bissau’s pioneering solar power initiative to reduce carbon emissions and increase electricity access. This strategic support aligns with the country’s goals under its Solar Energy and Access to Electricity Development Project, which will continue to receive World Bank funding through 2030.
The World Bank has approved a $30 million grant for this project. The International Development Association (IDA), another World Bank arm, is set to contribute an additional $35 million. The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) will provide $2.65 million, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has committed $10.5 million.
This initiative addresses a critical issue for Guinea-Bissau, where only 33% of the population currently has access to electricity. This figure is slightly higher at 58% in Bissau’s capital city. Electricity in Guinea-Bissau is not only scarce but also among the most expensive in Africa. According to Anne-Lucie Lefebvre, the World Bank’s resident representative in Guinea-Bissau, the country’s untapped solar resources offer the cheapest and fastest solution to bridging the electricity supply gap.
The project will involve constructing multiple solar power plants and battery storage units. A flagship component is a 30 MWp solar power plant near Bissau, which aims to reduce electricity costs and diversify the energy mix. According to the Bissau-Guinean Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Regional Integration, battery storage will play a crucial role in enhancing grid stability by smoothing the injection curve initially and, in later phases, providing services to the electricity system.
Moreover, the government plans to support installing mini-grids on the Bijagós islands, including Bolama, Rubane, and Bubaque. These mini-grids will be powered by renewable energies, featuring around 500 kW solar photovoltaic capacity combined with batteries or diesel generators. This infrastructure will supply electricity to about 1,200 households, shops, hotels, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The project’s benefits extend beyond immediate energy solutions for the World Bank. It aims to enhance the quality of life for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers throughout Guinea-Bissau, including its islands. The initiative will support the government’s efforts to foster a business environment conducive to private sector investment, stimulate economic growth, and create green jobs. This project will catalyse broader socio-economic development in Guinea-Bissau by improving energy access and affordability.