In a significant move towards enhancing energy access and sustainability, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $35 million grant aimed at bolstering solar power generation in Guinea-Bissau.
The Guinea-Bissau Solar Energy Scale-up and Access Project aims to develop solar energy infrastructure, including the establishment of utility-scale solar parks and the upgrade of existing solar grid systems. This initiative also includes capacity building and technical assistance to the Ministry of Energy and Electricity and Water of Guinea-Bissau (EAGB).
Anne-Lucie Lefebvre, World Bank Resident Representative in Guinea-Bissau, emphasized the project’s importance in advancing inclusive growth through improved infrastructure and services. Currently, only 33% of Guinea-Bissau’s population has access to electricity, with significantly higher costs in the capital city of Bissau. Harnessing Guinea-Bissau’s abundant solar resources presents an efficient and cost-effective solution to addressing the country’s energy deficit.
The Solar Energy Scale-up and Access Project is slated to benefit residential, commercial, and industrial consumers nationwide, including those on the islands. It aligns with the government’s strategy to facilitate private sector involvement, stimulate economic growth, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Funded by the International Development Association (IDA), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), the project is set to run until June 2030. Its implementation marks a significant step towards transforming Guinea-Bissau’s energy landscape, paving the way for a more sustainable and electrified future.
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