Mr. Walter Klotz, the NAWEC task force team leader cum senior electrical engineer has revealed that the recently inaugurated wind mill project in Batokunku is a diversification of the country's energy sector.

He said NAWEC's mission is to provide reliable and environmentally sensitive water and power services to meet customer needs at the required quality and quantity at sustainable prices that will ensure the financial viability of the company and support the social and economic development of The Gambia.

He said their objectives are investment and technical improvement in rural electrification. Their plan is to commence this year in the North Bank, Central and Upper River Regions.

The Batokunku project he said has several aspects, among them, the provision of sustainable and affordable energy to the community. He added that the Batokunku Turbine project can be the gateway to further development projects in the framework of renewable energy within the Gambia.

With the completion of the wind turbine project, a milestone of diversification in the energy sector was laid, he said. The results so far obtained from the operation of the project, he added, indicate that wind energy will be a source of energy which can be harnessed in the Gambia. Wind speeds measured are far higher than initially expected, he remarked. NAWEC, he said is proud to have contributed to the success of the project.

He noted that although he said the first contact entailed lengthy discussions but an agreement was finally made.

Mr Klotz explained that in May 2008 a simplified but fully applicable and operational power purchase agreement was prepared and signed. This, he said, was then a break through for the project to be granted a generation and distribution licence by PURA, which finally led to the erection of the plant. He noted that immediately after this NAWEC executed the connection of the electrical installations to its network.

In addition he said NAWEC has handed over to the community of Batokunku 50 electricity meters which will allow the project to better control the consumption. He also revealed that such projects will motivate tourists visiting the Gambia as it is a green electricity system which is clear energy and will protect the environment. He said the community of Batokunku will use the proceeds generated for other development projects and will empower the grassroots in their development process.

He indicated that meanwhile the wind turbine operates to the satisfaction of the community. He said that for any excess energy which is injected into the NAWEC network, NAWEC will pay that amount to the community account which is meant to support the village development projects for more empowerment. He pointed out NAWEC's desire to further encourage the development of renewable energy projects.