MRC Unit The Gambia has taken the first bold step to be install the biggest solar power generation system in Gambia. The solar panels harness the sun’s energy and convert to electrical power which will be fed directly into the MRCG Fajara internal distribution electrical system to augment and offset the consumption costs. This current project consists of installing solar panels which generate up to 65 kilowatts per hour.
In Fajara alone, power consumption is over 240,000 kilowatts per month which eventually brings the annual energy bill to a substantial figure. After this solar power project is commissioned and fully operational, we expect to optimally produce 120 megawatts per annum to make savings up to 5% of the energy bill and also increase our overall energy capacity as we are constantly growing. We aim to increase this system to produce at least 25% of our annual energy consumption. The project will cut down on MRCG’s carbon emissions by a significant amount as we use 320,000 litres of diesel per annum. This translates to 800,000 kg of CO2 emissions every year from Fajara station. We hope to cut this by 50% or more as we continue to grow our capacity with solar energy installations over the next years.

This is in line with the Unit’s overall strategy to make our buildings and operations more energy efficient. Also, as the Unit moves towards becoming a smarter and more innovative community and environment, the facilities will have to constantly improve and evolve with the latest green technologies available.

The installing is being carried out by Azimut 360 who work in partnership with M’bolo Association which is a girls’ skills development and training centre at Tujereng. The word “Fandema” is Mandinka meaning “help yourself”. The project empowers young vulnerable women who have not been able to complete their education to learn life skills such as how to manage their finances and literacy skills, to help build a better future for themselves and their families.

For this current drive, the solar system is being installed on the roofs of the Clinical Service Wards and Rees Buildings in Fajara. In time, more will be mounted on other roofs across all camps including Keneba and Basse.