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afrol News, 30 October - - There is to be made a study with the purpose of developing and promoting the use of renewable sources of energy in The Gambia, with particular emphasis on rural areas. The study will help assess the country's renewable energy resources and prepare a master plan for the development of the renewable energy sub-sector. A grant endorsed today by the African Development Fund (ADF) will also be used to prepare a feasibility study and tender documents for a priority project to be implemented in the medium term. In time, the study is supposed to contribute to poverty reduction through the improvement of economic and social conditions of the population particularly in the rural areas, according to an ADF statement. It is furthermore intended to explore the feasibility of expanding the provision of energy to Gambian rural regions through the generation and distribution of electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar (photovoltaic) energy. The study is further to assist the Gambian authorities in preparing projects that will provide sufficient energy to the population and improve their access to social services such as education, health services and water supply. Finally, it is hoped the study will help stop the ongoing environmental degradation. The Gambia, composed of a small landstrip on both sides of River Gambia, currently depends on imported oil for most of its expensive and irregular power generation. Damming River Gambia has been advised against by environmental specialists as it might have serious consequences for the country's agriculture. No other indigenous energy sources have so far been developed in The Gambia, although there is some hope attached to the offshore drilling of foreign oil companies. By Knut Henrik Gjone
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