Batokunku Explained

Official Name:Batokunku
Settlement Type:Village
Mapsize:275px
Pushpin Map:Gambia
Pushpin Mapsize:300
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:The Gambia
Population As Of:2013
Population Total:2,000
Coordinates:13.3233°N -16.8008°W

Batokunku (also spelled Batukunku) is a village located in Kombo South, one of the nine districts of The Gambia's Western Division. In January 2009, the village became notable as the location of the first wind turbine erected in West Africa. The 150 kilowatt turbine, a second-hand machine originally built by the Danish wind energy manufacturer Bonus, currently provides electrical power for the entire village.[1] The windmill is currently serviced/maintained by Global Energy (generator service) based in the nearby village of Tujereng in collaboration with Windstrom SH from Germany.

Notes and References

  1. News: Dierk Jensen . A Second Life in Africa . New Energy Magazine . March 2009 .