In 2023, Gabon's electricity consumption is largely split between fossil-based and low-carbon sources, with fossil energy accounting for slightly less than half of the total consumption at 44%. Low-carbon electricity generation comprises more than 40% of the total, driven almost entirely by hydropower, which similarly accounts for about 40%. Despite the reliance on low-carbon energy sources, a significant portion of Gabon's energy needs, nearly 15%, is met through net imports. This indicates that while Gabon is making strides in generating low-carbon electricity, it still depends considerably on external sources to satisfy its electricity demands, which highlights the potential and need for domestic low-carbon expansion.
Is Electricity Growing in Gabon?
Unfortunately, Gabon's electricity consumption per person has not grown compared to recent years; in fact, it has slightly declined. In 2023, the average electricity consumption per person was 1517 kWh, a small decrease from the 2022 figure of 1535 kWh per person. Moreover, the generation of low-carbon electricity specifically has also declined over the decades, from its peak of 817 kWh per person in 1985 to 616 kWh in 2023. This decline is concerning given the critical need to increase low-carbon generation to mitigate climate change risks and reduce dependence on polluting fossil fuels. Gabon must reverse this trend to keep pace with global shifts towards clean energy.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation effectively, Gabon could explore the development of solar and nuclear energy, drawing lessons from successful regions worldwide. For example, Lebanon has pioneered solar energy, with solar generating over 30% of its electricity, showcasing the potential of solar power even in smaller regions. Meanwhile, countries like France and Slovakia lead the way in nuclear energy, with more than half of their electricity coming from nuclear reactors. These models illustrate the substantial role nuclear and solar energy can play in building a sustainable electricity future. By investing in solar and nuclear technologies, Gabon can create a more diverse and reliable low-carbon energy mix, reducing its reliance on imports and decreasing the share of fossil fuels in its energy consumption.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Gabon, particularly hydropower, reveals a series of modest changes since the 1980s. Throughout the early 1980s, Gabon consistently increased its hydropower capacity by 0.1 TWh annually, reaching a notable milestone in 1985. The subsequent decades, however, reflected a mixed trend with both increases and occasional declines. Despite several years of stagnation and slight declines, particularly in the 2000s, Gabon achieved a marked increase in 2019 with an additional 0.4 TWh of hydropower. This varied history underscores the country's potential for growth in low-carbon electricity but also highlights the need for a more aggressive and consistent expansion strategy.