Gabon solar energy plan: A Path to Sustainable Development
Gabon has embarked on a significant new project to enhance its energy infrastructure and promote sustainable development. The country has launched a national solar energy plan to install 10 MW of solar capacity by 2025, targeting six rural and peri-urban areas. This initiative is expected to improve energy access for 20,000 people, thereby supporting local development and reducing carbon emissions by 6,000 tons annually.
Under the leadership of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, the Gabonese government has prioritized electrification to address social disparities and promote economic growth. Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze highlighted the government’s commitment to energy development, noting that electricity access is a key factor in driving social and economic progress. The National Solar Energy Plan is a critical component of Gabon’s strategy to provide reliable and sustainable energy to its citizens.
Implementation of the Gabon solar energy plan Across Six Regions
The National Solar Energy Plan will be implemented in six provinces: Nyanga (Moulengui-Binza), Upper Ogooué (Mounana), Ogooué-Ivindo (Mekambo), Ogooué-Maritime (Ariemvongo), Woleu-Ntem (Meyang), and the Komo-Mondah department (Ntoum). This diverse geographical coverage ensures that the benefits of solar energy reach both rural and peri-urban communities, thereby addressing energy disparities across the country.
The plan is expected to generate significant environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions by 6,000 tons annually. This reduction in greenhouse gases aligns with Gabon’s broader commitment to sustainable development and climate change mitigation. By transitioning to renewable energy sources, Gabon is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s green energy revolution.
Future Expansion of the Gabon solar energy plan
President Bongo Ondimba has indicated that this initial phase of the National Solar Energy Plan is just the beginning. The government intends to expand the plan to other provinces and localities in the coming months, thereby increasing the country’s solar energy capacity and further improving energy access for underserved communities.
In addition to the National Solar Energy Plan, Gabon is also investing in other renewable energy projects. In April 2023, the government signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Générale du Solaire Gabon SA for a 120 MWp solar project in Ayémé Plaine, Libreville. This project, located 30 kilometers from the capital, will be developed in three phases: 60 MWp, 40 MWp, and 20 MWp.
The Ayémé Plaine solar project is expected to generate 120 GWh of clean electricity annually, thereby providing reliable and sustainable energy to Gabon’s population of 2.3 million. This project is part of Gabon’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
International Partnerships Supporting the Gabon solar energy plan
The development of Gabon’s renewable energy sector is supported by international partnerships. The Ayémé Plaine solar project, for example, was developed by Générale du Solaire Gabon SA, a subsidiary of the French company Générale du Solaire. This partnership underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing renewable energy projects in Africa.
Gabon’s National Solar Energy Plan represents a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to improve energy access, support sustainable development, and reduce carbon emissions. With the initial phase targeting six provinces and plans for future expansion, Gabon is demonstrating its commitment to renewable energy and environmental stewardship. As the country continues to invest in solar and other renewable energy projects, it is poised to become a leader in Africa’s transition to a green economy.
