In 2023, fossil fuels supplied about 44% of Gabon’s electricity consumption, including almost 30% from gas. Low-carbon sources supplied around 41%, almost entirely from hydropower, which accounted for about 40%. Net imports covered the remaining 15%; their carbon intensity is not specified. Gabon therefore has a substantial clean electricity foundation, but fossil fuels still supply the largest share, contributing to climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Gabon?

Electricity consumption per person was not growing in 2023: it reached about 1,520 kWh, slightly below the 2022 record of about 1,535 kWh—a decline of roughly 1%. Low-carbon electricity generation stood at about 620 kWh per person, around 200 kWh, or a quarter, below its 1985 peak of about 820 kWh. This long-standing shortfall is concerning: Gabon needs stronger growth in clean electricity to support electrification, economic development and emerging demand, including AI.

Suggestions

Gabon can build on hydropower by expanding solar generation and considering nuclear power within its long-term electricity planning. Nearby Congo–Kinshasa, where solar supplies 13% of electricity generation, offers a regionally relevant example, while Namibia’s 11% solar share provides another African reference. More ambitious solar examples include North Macedonia at 40% and the US state of Nevada at 35%. For nuclear, France generates about two-thirds of its electricity from this clean source, while the United Arab Emirates generates around one-fifth. Gabon can learn from these regions’ approaches to project delivery, workforce development and electricity planning, while assessing options suited to its own grid and future demand.

History

Gabon’s recorded low-carbon electricity history is dominated by hydropower. The early 1980s brought repeated gains of about 0.1 TWh in 1981, 1982, 1984 and 1985, while 1995 showed no change. From 2001 through 2015, generation fluctuated: several gains of 0.1 TWh were interrupted by similarly sized declines in 2005, 2007, 2011 and 2014, limiting sustained progress. A much stronger increase of 0.4 TWh arrived in 2019, followed by gains of 0.1 TWh in both 2020 and 2022, with no change in 2021. These later increases are welcome, but sustained expansion is needed to raise clean electricity availability per person.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade