In a significant move towards decarbonization, Gabon’s Owendo Mineral Port (OMP) is integrating renewable energy into its core operations. A $2.6 million investment from British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, is funding the installation of a new 1.56 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar array and a 1 MW battery storage system at the facility, which is located 21 kilometers from the capital, Libreville.
Announced in January 2024, this solar power initiative is a key component of the port’s sustainability strategy. OMP, part of the pan-African group Arise Ports & Logistics, will utilize the rooftops of six existing workshops to house the solar panels. The complete solar power system is projected to generate approximately 1,800 MWh of clean electricity annually. This will lead to a substantial reduction in the port’s carbon footprint, with an estimated decrease in CO2 emissions of over 1,700 tonnes per year, while also optimizing operational costs by reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
The financing from BII followed a detailed energy audit that identified the port’s total electricity demand at around 7,730 MWh. The new solar installation marks a crucial first step in meeting this demand with clean energy. Geoffrey Manley, Director and Head of Energy Access and Efficiency at BII, commented on the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to have identified this value-added opportunity with OMP to help address climate challenges.” He noted that the project aligns perfectly with BII’s ambition to achieve a net-zero portfolio by 2050 and support the decarbonization of its partners.
This project is emblematic of Gabon’s broader national strategy to boost its renewable energy capacity. The country aims to have 80% of its planned 1,200 MW installed capacity come from renewable sources by 2025. Gabon’s equatorial location provides high levels of solar irradiance year-round, creating immense potential for solar energy development. As the nation continues to build out its green infrastructure, the Owendo Mineral Port project serves as a powerful example of how targeted investment and strategic partnerships can accelerate the transition to a sustainable, energy-efficient future.
Sources for Owendo Mineral Port Embraces Solar Power for Operations
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