Guinea, often called the “water tower of West Africa,” has immense hydro and renewable energy potential, with more than 6,000 MW of exploitable hydropower and an average solar irradiation of 4.5–5.5 kWh/m²/day. Yet, only about 65% of households have access to electricity, with a wide gap between urban areas (87%) and rural areas (37%). Reliance on fossil fuels and traditional biomass remains high, with nearly 75% of households using firewood or charcoal for cooking.

Although Guinea contributes very little to global greenhouse gas emissions- less than 0.05%, it remains highly vulnerable to climate impacts: recurrent floods, droughts, coastal erosion, and deforestation. The country has exceptional energy potential but still relies heavily on fossil fuels and wood energy.

The impacts of climate change are increasingly visible: erratic rainfall patterns, rapid deforestation (35% forest cover lost since 1970), frequent floods, and seasonal droughts threatening agriculture, which employs over 70% of the population.

In 2021, Guinea updated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 17% by 2030 under the unconditional scenario and up to 49% with adequate international support.

While Guinea has benefitted from several climate finance initiatives, a significant green investment gap remains. The National Designated Authority (NDA) manages relations with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and is leading the development of a National Climate Finance Strategy. Flagship projects include:

• Koukoutamba Hydropower Dam (294 MW) – supported by OMVS.

• 84 MW solar project in Kankan and Siguiri – mobilized through GET.invest.

• Rural solar mini-grid program – backed by SE4ALL.

• Waste-to-energy project in Conakry – reducing urban emissions.

National Priorities and commitments

• Universal energy access: increase the national access rate (currently 65% overall, 37% in rural areas) through the development of mini-grids and decentralised energy solutions.

• Energy transition: raise the share of renewable energy to 80% of the electricity mix by 2030 (National Energy Integration Strategy, 2022).

• Mitigation and adaptation: reduce GHG emissions by 17% by 2030 (unconditional) and up to 49% (conditional) according to the 2021 NDC.

• Green industrialisation: sustainably harness mineral resources and develop green economic zones (Boké, Boffa, Forécariah).

• Legal framework: recent adoption of Energy Law L-2025-016-CNT, authorising power purchase agreements (PPAs) and encouraging private investment in renewable energy.

Current challenges

Major barriers include the absence of dedicated climate finance legislation and weak private-sector engagement.

• Limited participation of francophone countries (including Guinea) in international dialogues and workshops due to parliamentary scheduling constraints.

• Insufficient domestic climate financing and difficulties in accessing international funds.

• Lack of institutional coordination and budgetary visibility.

• Persistent legal gaps on climate and climate finance.

The Parliamentarians for Climate Finance project in Guinea aims to bridge these gaps by strengthening parliamentary capacity, engaging the private sector, and supporting the establishment of Green Investment Zones to fast-track the energy transition.