- Gabon launched the first phase of its electricity interconnection project with Equatorial Guinea to import 10 MW of power, starting with 3 MW for northern regions.
- The project aims to save 2 billion CFA francs (€3.4 million) annually by reducing reliance on diesel generators and addressing issues with ageing infrastructure.
- Gabon is also building two major power plants—Ngoulmendjim (83 MW) and Owendo (120 MW)—to diversify energy sources and stabilise its electricity supply.
Gabon has started the first phase of its electricity interconnection project with Equatorial Guinea. This project aims to boost power supply in northern regions and supports Gabon’s goal of universal energy access by 2035.
On February 22, President Brice Oligui Nguema and President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea officially launched the initiative, following the bilateral agreement they signed on February 8.
In the first phase, Gabon will import 3 MW of electricity from Ebe-Be-Yine, a town in Equatorial Guinea, to Bitam in northern Gabon. The project plans to import 10 MW and distribute the remaining power to other cities in the Woleu-Ntem province, including Oyem, Medouneu, Mitzic, and Minvoul.
The interconnection project is key to Gabon’s larger plan to expand energy access. The World Bank reports that Gabon reached a 93.5% electricity access rate in 2022, but the country still faces challenges in providing stable power to everyone.
The Gabonese presidency outlined the project’s financial benefits, stating it will save the country around 2 billion CFA francs (€3.4 million) annually on diesel costs. Gabon currently relies on costly diesel generators to meet its electricity demand.
Gabon aims to address issues stemming from its ageing power infrastructure by importing electricity. The Société Nationale d’eau et d’électricité (SEEG) has struggled with outdated equipment, leading to frequent power outages. The new electricity supply from Equatorial Guinea will reduce the strain on SEEG and improve service in the affected areas.
Gabon has also started increasing its domestic electricity generation. Last week, the government began building two major power plants: the Ngoulmendjim hydroelectric plant and the Owendo gas-fired thermal power plant. The hydroelectric plant will generate 83 MW, while the gas-fired plant will provide 120 MW of additional capacity to the national grid.
These projects will help diversify Gabon’s energy sources, reducing its dependence on electricity imports. The government expects these plants to stabilise power supply, which has faced disruptions from frequent outages. These new energy projects will also relieve pressure on SEEG and offer more reliable electricity to citizens.
Gabon’s government is focusing on improving the country’s energy sector. The interconnection project, combined with the new power plants, moves the country closer to achieving its 2035 goal of universal access to reliable electricity.
With ongoing energy challenges such as an ageing grid and high diesel costs, Gabon aims to overcome these issues by partnering with Equatorial Guinea and investing in new infrastructure. These developments promise to secure a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply for the future.