In 2023, Gabon's electricity generation is distinctly divided between fossil energy and low-carbon sources. Fossil energy accounts for a significant portion, constituting about 44%, primarily from gas, which alone makes up roughly 30% of the generation. Meanwhile, low-carbon sources contribute approximately 41% to the overall electricity mix, with hydropower being the predominant low-carbon method, providing more than 40% of the total electricity. Additionally, Gabon relies on net imports for a little over 15% of its electricity needs. These figures indicate a relatively balanced mix between fossil and clean energy, though there is clearly room for improvement in increasing the share of low-carbon electricity to mitigate the adverse effects of fossil fuels, such as climate change and pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Gabon?
Despite a robust electricity sector, Gabon's total electricity consumption per person has seen a slight decline. The per capita consumption in 2023 is 1517 kWh, which marks a decrease from the 2022 figure of 1535 kWh. This dip reflects a drop of 17 kWh/person, a figure that contrasts sharply with the need for increased electricity to fuel economic growth and technological advancements. More troubling is the decline in low-carbon electricity generation, with current levels at 616 kWh/person, significantly lower by 201 kWh/person compared to the record seen in 1985. This decrease underscores the critical necessity for Gabon to commit to strategies that enhance the availability and usage of clean electricity.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Gabon could take inspiration from regions leading in clean energy like solar and nuclear. For instance, Lebanon and Nevada have made marked progress in solar energy, with production figures of 31% and 27%, respectively. On the nuclear front, countries like France and Slovakia boast high percentages of electricity from nuclear, at 68% and 62%. By considering similar nuclear and solar pathways, Gabon can significantly elevate its clean energy profile. Such an approach would involve investing in new infrastructure and technology while adopting favorable policies that encourage sustainable practices in energy generation. Leveraging the success stories of these regions, Gabon has a promising prospect of reshaping its electricity landscape to one that is more sustainable and less reliant on fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Gabon's low-carbon electricity profile has predominantly revolved around hydropower, which saw consistent growth throughout the early 1980s with annual increases of 0.1 TWh until 1985. This growth stalled in the mid-1990s and again in the early 2000s, with periods of no change in hydropower generation. Fluctuations were common in the subsequent years, with increases typically followed by slight declines, reflecting an inconsistent trajectory. Notably, recent years, particularly from 2019 to 2022, have shown incremental growth, with an increase of 0.4 TWh in 2019 and steady or slight growth thereafter. The variability over the decades suggests the necessity for a more concerted effort in advancing not just hydropower but a mix of low-carbon sources to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future.