In 2023, Gabon's electricity consumption reflects a balance between fossil and low-carbon sources, with a slight preference towards fossil fuels. Approximately 44% of Gabon's electricity is generated from fossil energy, predominantly gas, which constitutes about 30%. Meanwhile, low-carbon sources provide a similar share, with hydropower alone contributing to over 40% of electricity generation. Moreover, about 15% of the electricity is imported, indicating Gabon's reliance on external sources to meet its energy needs and suggesting a potential area for improvement in self-sufficiency through local clean energy development.

Is Electricity Growing in Gabon?

However, electricity consumption per capita in Gabon has experienced a slight decline. In 2023, it was at 1517 kWh/person, down from the previous high in 2022, which saw 1535 kWh/person. This decrease, albeit small, suggests a stagnation rather than growth, which is concerning considering the global need for increased electricity to power new technologies and address climate challenges. Furthermore, the production of low-carbon electricity has yet to reach its peak, previously seen in 1985 at 817 kWh/person, with current levels at 616 kWh/person. This reduction highlights an urgent need for Gabon to amplify its efforts in producing more low-carbon electricity to mitigate climate change and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Gabon can learn from successful regions worldwide. Notably, countries like France and Slovakia have successfully harnessed nuclear energy, accounting for over 60% of their electricity generation. Simultaneously, states in the U.S. such as Iowa and Denmark's wind power provide more than 50% of electricity, serving as laudable models for maximizing wind energy. Gabon should consider exploiting its abundant solar potential, akin to regions like Nevada and California, which generate more than 30% of their electricity from solar energy. By adopting a diversified strategy that includes nuclear, solar, and wind power, Gabon can significantly boost its clean electricity production, reducing its carbon footprint and bolstering its energy independence.

History

Historically, Gabon's low-carbon electricity landscape has been overwhelmingly dominated by hydropower. From the early 1980s to the mid-1990s, modest but consistent increments in hydroelectric production occurred, such as 0.1 TWh annual increases in the early 1980s. The following decades saw more sporadic changes, with small surges and dips. Notably, in 2019, a significant rise of 0.4 TWh in hydroelectric power showcased potential for larger scale production, but the momentum did not sustain as expected. This fluctuating development suggests that while hydropower has been a stable source of low-carbon electricity, Gabon's path forward would benefit from diversifying its clean energy portfolio, notably by incorporating solar and nuclear energy to ensure greater reliability and sustainability in its energy supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade