The contract between the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) and Karpowership, the Turkish floating power plant that has provided 40% of the nation’s electricity since 2018, is about to expire on May 2nd, putting the Gambia’s energy sector at a crucial juncture.
The Gambia’s government and Karpowership have not yet agreed on the technical and financial terms required for a contract renewal, according to The Point newspaper, which cited “reliable sources.” Businesses and consumers are worried about this uncertainty because the vessel is essential to maintaining the nation’s electrical supply.
In February 2018, Karpowership started operating in The Gambia, supplying the national grid with 36 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
In 2020 and May 2022, the contract was extended for two more years and three more years, respectively. Karpowership has been in business in the Gambia since 2018 and supplies 40% of the nation’s electrical needs.
In a nation that has long suffered from an unstable energy supply, this effort has helped to drastically lower the frequency of power outages over time, providing much-needed relief. But as the expiration date draws near, the possibility of power outages has emerged as a critical concern.
To address the country’s electrical needs, the Gambian government has insisted that it is actively investigating alternative energy options, such as solar and mixed energy sources. However, in the event that Karpowership shuts down in May, no firm plans have been made to replace it right away.
The public is still concerned about the possible effects of a power outage while NAWEC and the Turkish energy firm continue their negotiations. Whether a new agreement is achieved or if The Gambia must quickly switch to alternative energy sources to avoid delays in electricity access will be determined in the upcoming weeks.
