Guinea, A Land of Hydroelectricity
In a mountainous landscape surrounded by dense vegetation and numerous watercourses, the isolated villages of western Guinea in the forest region seem to move backwards in time. However, on this land with abundant rainfall and natural resources, several communities have managed to bridge the energy gap thanks to renewable energy.
In Guinea, energy access stands at 18.1%, with 47.8% in urban areas and 2% in rural areas. As consumption is concentrated in urban areas, rural households have almost no access to energy.
Thanks to the construction of hydroelectric dams, hundreds of inhabitants of the villages of Firadou and Bolodou, separated by about fifty kilometers, now benefit from uninterrupted electricity supply.
"Now we have power outlets in our homes to charge our phones and use electronic devices. We have light to carry out our activities at night. We can even watch television for information or entertainment," enthuses a Firadou resident. Here, the power plant installed in 2017 and expanded in 2021 produces 43 KVA of electricity and 60 KVA in Bolodou, according to the UNDP representative in Guinea.
These renewable energy projects were initiated by young people who were tired of being disconnected and wanted to provide energy for their communities. Prototypes were first made with available resources, and subsequently, UNDP supported these local initiatives and helped them expand.
Essential Economic Diversification
"Rather than limiting ourselves to access to electricity, we asked ourselves what we could do with this energy. With the reservoir of the hydroelectric dams, fish farming sites have been set up to enhance the food security of the population. Small businesses selling refrigerated drinks or food have also been created."
Mamadou Ciré Camara, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme Officer, UNDP Guinea.
"Renewable energy creates jobs for young people. I hope that authorities and donors will continue to support us because there is still much to be done. We have the ideas but not always the means," says Fara Santos Kamano, an electrician at the Bolodou hydroelectric power plant.
Guinea is focusing on expanding access to renewable energy, particularly hydroelectric power, in rural areas as part of its strategy. The country estimates that it has a hydroelectric potential of 6,000 MW for production, transportation, distribution, interconnection, and maintenance in the energy sector, which would generate an annual energy of 19,300 GWh. Guinea plans to gradually implement initiatives and investments related to hydro-agricultural development for irrigation or food processing, as well as solar energy and biogas. This is critical for the country's overall strategy to respond to the climate challenge.
Solar Gambia
In contrast, The Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa, has already achieved self-sufficiency in electricity and is a leader in addressing the climate challenge. It is also an example for other Sahelian countries.
The country of about 2.6 million inhabitants is building a super photovoltaic park to produce 250 MW by the end of 2025, not only to meet domestic needs but also to supply energy to its West African neighbors. Solar-powered systems are also being installed in over a thousand public schools and health facilities.
Civil society is also taking part in the renewable energy transition and driving initiatives to accelerate community development. This change in mentality and usage requires awareness and training.
Civil Society Fusing Transition
In the coastal village of Kartong in the southwest of the country, the "Fandema" project, which means "to help oneself" in the Mandingo dialect, enables hundreds of young women to train in renewable energy fields, such as photovoltaics.
According to Malang Sambou, president of the "Mbolo" association leading the project, “energy poverty has a significant impact on people's lives in Africa, where they face challenges in accessing water and electricity.” He believes that “involving women in the green transition is crucial because it can enhance their daily lives and that of their relatives, giving them more time for themselves.”
Malang emphasizes that “renewable energy is the better choice for local benefits in Africa, compared to fossil fuels. If the region can reduce the damage and disasters caused by the climate crisis, the economy will improve. Making the best use of green energy and responsibly exploiting resources will also help establish an ecological conscience for future generations.”
Malang's former apprentices are now working in solar panel installation companies in the area, improving the daily lives of thousands of people in the country and contributing to the growth of the local economy.
Locations
