Gabon’s Owendo Mineral Port will advance its low-emission goals with a $2.6 million investment from British International Investment to install a 1.56 MWp solar power system and 1 MW battery storage. The project which is located 21 kilometres from Libreville aims to reduce the port’s carbon footprint and enhance operational efficiency.
Owendo Mineral Port at Gabon
British International Investment Funding
Gabon’s Owendo Mineral Port (OMP) is set to advance its commitment to a low-emission economy with a major solar power initiative. The British International Investment (BII) has announced a $2.6 million investment to finance the installation of a 1.56 megawatt peak (MWp) solar power system at the port. This project represents a significant step in the port’s transition toward more sustainable energy practices.
Located just 21 kilometres from Libreville (the capital city of Gabon) Owendo Mineral Port serves as a crucial hub for mineral exports. The port’s shift to solar power is part of a broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency. The planned installation includes not only the solar panels but also a 1 MW battery storage system. The solar panels will be placed on the roofs of six workshops within the port’s area.
This solar project is expected to deliver considerable environmental benefits. The installation will lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions by over 1,700 tonnes annually. In addition to the environmental gains, the project will also help optimise the port's operational costs. The integration of solar energy aligns with OMP’s goal to enhance its sustainability practices and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Solar Power Transition: A Step Towards Decarbonisation Goal 2050
British International Investment, the UK's development finance institution, is financing this project under a new partnership agreement with OMP. Geoffrey Manley, Director and Head of Energy Access and Efficiency at BII, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. “We are delighted to have identified this value-added opportunity with OMP to help address climate challenges,” he said. Manley added that the project aligns with BII’s broader ambition to achieve a net zero portfolio by 2050 and support the decarbonisation efforts of its partner companies.
The financing from BII is based on an energy audit of OMP. This audit revealed that the port’s current electricity demand is approximately 7,730 megawatt-hours (MWh). This figure indicates that while the solar installation will be a significant improvement, there is still substantial work needed to meet all of the port's electricity requirements through renewable sources alone. The port is also focusing on electrifying its mechanical equipment and transport vehicles as part of its comprehensive sustainable development strategy.
Gabon’s move toward solar energy is not limited to this project alone. The country has set ambitious goals for expanding its use of renewable energy. Gabon’s government aims to achieve annual carbon savings of around 3,000 tonnes through the development of hybrid solar power plants.
This goal is part of a broader national vision that includes increasing the country's installed energy capacity to 1,200 MW by 2025. The plan calls for 80% of this capacity to come from renewable sources, including hydraulic and solar energy, with the remaining 20% from thermal sources, primarily gas.
Solar Energy Potentials in Gabon
The potential for solar energy in Gabon is substantial. The country is located near the equator, which provides it with high levels of solar irradiance throughout the year. This geographic advantage positions Gabon to become a leading player in solar energy in the region. The government’s commitment to expanding solar energy capacity reflects a growing recognition of the benefits of renewable energy, both for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for fostering energy independence.
As Gabon continues to develop its renewable energy infrastructure, projects like the one at Owendo Mineral Port will play a crucial role in achieving national sustainability goals. The integration of solar power into the port’s operations is a tangible example of how investment in clean technology can drive progress toward a greener future.
The $2.6 million solar power project at Owendo Mineral Port represents a significant step forward in Gabon’s transition to a low-carbon economy. With support from British International Investment and a clear national vision for renewable energy, Gabon is making strides toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future