Total installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Gabon is approximately 1 MW. ⁷

The combined impact of planned initiatives is expected to boost Gabon Solar capacity to 220 MW in the coming years. ^{8 9}

Solar Energy generation – $0.20/kWh (projected cost by 2030) ¹⁰

¹¹

• Natural Gas: 47.4%
• Hydro Power: 42.1%
• Oil: 10%
• Biofuels: 0.5%

Compared to other countries in the region, Gabon has a relatively high electrification rate, with around 92% of the population having access to electricity, and approximately 200,000 people without it. ¹²

The average daily availability of electricity from the national grid is currently affected by scheduled power outages due to various challenges, including low water levels at hydroelectric plants and equipment issues. In Sept 2024, the national utility, SEEG, has implemented rotating load shedding, resulting in planned power cuts lasting around 3 hours, 2-3 times daily in Libreville. This means that residents may experience 6 to 9 hours of electricity availability per day on average, depending on the specific schedule. ¹³

Engie Energy Access has partnered with Gabon’s Ministry of Energy to electrify 40,000 off-grid households with solar home systems over five years. ¹⁴

In addition to household electrification, Engie Energy Access is also set to power schools, healthcare facilities, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

There are currently two notable solar farm projects in development in Gabon:

Ayémé Solar Power Station ⁸

• Capacity: 120 MW (to be developed in two 60 MW phases)
• Status: Under construction, expected to be operational by the end of 2024

Total Eren Libreville Solar PV Park ¹⁵

• Capacity: 50 MW
• Status: In permitting stage, expected to begin construction in 2025 and commence operations in 2026

There are also 8 hybrid solar power plants at remote sites in the Northwest, with 1.440 panels, supplying 1586 homes. ¹⁶

Currently, the off-grid solar market in Central Africa, including Gabon, is projected to be a key player in electrification efforts, serving 81% of unconnected households. ¹⁷

Gabon is experiencing a growing demand for off-grid solar panels, driven by the government’s initiatives to expand electricity access, particularly in rural areas. Due to Gabon’s heavily forested terrain, which makes connecting remote communities to the main grid challenging, stand-alone solar systems are considered the ideal solution for power generation in these areas.¹⁸

The percentage of on-grid solar systems in Central Africa is currently 19%, aiming to increase up to 55% of the grid supply. ¹⁰

Mini-grid technology is essential for Gabon’s solar market, offering a cost-effective and sustainable way to provide reliable electricity to rural and underserved areas. These solar mini-grids are crucial for closing the energy access gap by 2030 and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel and kerosene solutions.¹⁶

The overall Gabon power market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% by 2027, indicating a favorable environment for solar energy investments and deployment.¹⁷

• The average monthly salary in Gabon is approximately $500. ¹⁹
• Solar Photovoltaic Installer: the average monthly salary is approximately $531. ²⁰
• Solar Energy System Engineer: the average monthly salary is approximately $858. ²¹

The current population of Gabon is 2,549,964. ²²

Estimate for Factory Rent

The average rent prices for industrial and logistics properties in Gabon (Libreville) is approximately 8 $/m2.per month. ²³

Industrial Electricity Rates

As of 2023, the average electricity price in Gabon is approximately 0.207 $/kWh. ³

Water Costs

The average water tariff in Gabon is approximately 0.79 $/m³, which includes all taxes. ²⁴

Salaries and Wages

Worker of solar industry in Gabon earn between $531 and $858 monthly, depending on the position. ^{20 21}

Rent for Office Space

Office rents in Libreville’s central business district are quite high, with a 3-person private office renting for over $1,007 per month. ²⁵

Insurance

The average spending per capita in the non-life insurance market in Gabon is projected to be $330.20 in 2024. ²⁶

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Energy Mix

Gabon has a diverse energy infrastructure characterized by a mix of traditional and renewable energy sources. The country is the fourth-largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Gabon also boasts abundant natural resources, particularly renewable ones, with water being the most significant. Numerous hydropower projects are underway in both the private and public sectors, including the Kinguélé Aval Hydropower Plant, which is set to produce a substantial 35 MW of renewable energy.

Infrastructure and Interconnections

The energy infrastructure in Gabon consists of a combination of hydroelectric plants and thermal generation facilities. Gabon has a 450 km gas pipeline that connects natural gas production fields to power stations in Owendo and Port-Gentil. The government is also pursuing several hydropower projects, including the Ivindo, Ngoulmendjim, and Grand Poubara dams, which are intended to increase capacity and enable energy exports to neighboring countries.

The country has plans to enhance interconnections with neighboring countries, including a memorandum of understanding signed with Angola, Cameroon, and others for gas pipeline development.

Main Government Institutions

The energy sector in Gabon is overseen by two main government ministries:

• Ministry of Petroleum and Gas
• Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources

These ministries are responsible for formulating and implementing energy policies.

SEEG, the national electricity and water service company, which was renationalized in 2019, holds a monopoly on power production and distribution.

Additionally, the Drinking Water and Electricity Sector Regulatory Agency (ARSEE) plays a crucial role in regulating the sector and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

Export/Import

In 2022, the country exported roughly 90% of its crude oil production, which represented 90% of its total export earnings.

Policy Goal

Gabon’s energy policy aims for independence and sustainability by diversifying energy sources, reducing fossil fuel dependence, and increasing rural electricity access. The country is committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, focusing on reducing emissions and boosting renewable energy.

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Environmental and Climate Change Legislation

The regulatory framework features laws such as the 2019 Climate Change Ordinance and the 2019 Petroleum Law, which are designed to support environmental sustainability and the development of renewable resources. These laws mandate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the use of renewable energy sources, with a particular emphasis on solar power. They align with the government’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, integrating solar energy as a crucial element of its broader energy strategy.

Regulatory Oversight

The energy sector in Gabon is regulated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Gas and the Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources. These institutions are responsible for establishing policies and regulations governing solar energy production and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

³²

Power purchase agreement (PPA)

The Gabonese government has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solen to facilitate the construction of a 120 MWp solar power plant in Ayeme Plaine, which will enable the government to purchase electricity generated by this new facility.

Subsidies & VAT exclusions

Currently, there are no specific incentives for households installing solar panels in Gabon.

Also, there are no specific VAT exemptions related to the importation of solar panel equipment.

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Current Projects

Ayémé Plaine Solar Power Plant:

• Capacity: 120 MWp
• Location: Ayémé Plaine, approximately 30 km from Libreville.
• Details: The project is being developed by Solen SA Gabon and will be constructed in two phases of 60 MWp each. It includes a 15-hour battery storage system to enhance energy reliability. The plant is expected to help address load shedding issues and will operate under a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Gabonese Water and Energy Company (SEEG).

Owendo Mineral Port Solar Project:

• Capacity: 1.56 MWp
• Investment: $2.6 million from British International Investment.
• Details: This project aims to reduce the port’s carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency by integrating solar power into its operations. It will also include a 1 MW battery storage system to support energy needs.

Projected Projects

Libreville Solar Farm:

• Capacity: 50 MWp
• Status: Pre-construction
• Owner: Total Eren SA
• Details: This solar photovoltaic farm is planned to be located in Libreville and is part of Gabon’s broader strategy to enhance renewable energy capacity.

Amea Power Solar Park:

• Capacity: 50 MWp
• Location: Oyem, Woleu-Ntem province
• Details: Amea Power is negotiating to establish this solar park as part of Gabon’s commitment to increasing its renewable energy share.

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Solen SA Gabon

• Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Website:https://solennet.com/
• Details: A subsidiary of Solen Renewable Dubai, Solen is actively involved in constructing the Ayémé Plaine Solar Power Plant, which will have a capacity of 120 MWp. The project aims to enhance the electricity supply in the Estuaire region and is expected to help reduce load shedding issues. Solen is also responsible for training local staff in solar energy production operations.

Solar Power Solutions Pvt Ltd

• Headquarters: Libreville, Gabon
• Website:https://www.solarpspl.com/solar-company-in-gabon
• Details: Recognized as one of the leading solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) companies in Gabon, Solar Power Solutions specializes in providing comprehensive solar energy solutions, including installation and manufacturing of solar panels. The company focuses on customized solar projects for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

Fortune CP

• Headquarters: Dartford, England
• Website:https://fortunecp.com/gabon/
• Details: Fortune CP offers innovative renewable energy products and services, including solar components such as panels, inverters, and batteries. They provide both off-grid and grid-tied solar systems and are involved in large-scale project development, including feasibility studies and project management.

Amea Power

• Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Website:https://www.ameapower.com/oyem-gabon/
• Details: Amea Power is negotiating to establish a solar park with a capacity of 50 MWp in Oyem, contributing to Gabon’s renewable energy goals. The company is part of the broader push to increase the share of renewable energy in the national electricity mix.

Solar System and Services (3S) 

• Headquarters: Libreville, Gabon
• Website:http://solarsystem-services.com/
• Details: Solar System and Services (3S) specializes in solar engineering, general electricity, and natural lighting, offering high-quality products, expert installations, thorough appraisals, and reliable after-sales support. Recognized for innovation and entrepreneurship, 3S was awarded the Prize for the Best Start-up Under 3 Years at the 3rd Edition of the Startupper Challenge by Total Energie du Gabon.

Engie

• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Website:https://www.engie.com/en
• Details: The French energy company Engie, through its subsidiary Ausar Energy, has signed an agreement with the Gabonese financial institution Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations to deploy eight hybrid solar power plants in Gabon.

Su-Kam Power Systems

• Headquarters: Haryana, India
• Website:https://www.su-kam.com/
• Details: Su-Kam Power Systems was awarded a five-year contract worth around $25 million by the Gabonese government in 2015 to supply, install and service 120-W DC integrated solar power systems for 40,000 rural households. The company has also installed 2,000 stand-alone solar-powered street lights in various locations in Gabon.