In Gabon, the electricity consumption landscape in 2023 shows an interesting blend of low-carbon and fossil energy sources. A little less than half of the electricity, around 44%, is generated from fossil fuels. Within this category, gas contributes to nearly a third of the total electrical output. Clean energy sources, comprised predominantly of hydropower, make up roughly 41% of Gabon's electricity, positioning the country as one dedicated to harnessing clean energy. Notably, hydropower almost entirely represents low-carbon energy production. Net imports account for over 15% of the country's electricity, indicating the importance of external sources to meet national demand.

Is Electricity Growing in Gabon?

Electricity consumption appears to be retreating slightly in Gabon, which is a critical concern. In 2023, the per capita electricity consumption fell to 1517 kWh from a previous high of 1535 kWh in 2022, illustrating a marginal decline. Even more concerning is the trend in low-carbon electricity, which experienced a significant drop from its historical high of 817 kWh/person in 1985 to 616 kWh/person in 2023. This illustrates a decrease of over 200 kWh/person, highlighting a worrying slowdown in growth. An increase in low-carbon electricity utilization is critical, as it tackles air pollution and climate change problems fostered by fossil-dependent methods.

Suggestions

For Gabon to amplify its low-carbon electricity generation, emulating successful regions that efficiently leverage solar and nuclear power would be instrumental. France and Slovakia, generating more than 65% of their electricity from nuclear energy, stand as benchmarks for nuclear deployment. Similarly, states like Iowa and Denmark derive a substantial portion of their electricity from wind, providing a model for wind power expansion. The solar dominance in Nevada and California, contributing more than 30% of their electricity, serves as an inspiration for solar innovation. Gabon could benefit significantly by developing policies and infrastructure to support such clean energy technologies, fulfilling its potential as a leader in sustainable electricity production in the region.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Gabon predominantly revolves around hydropower, which saw modest growth with some fluctuations over the decades. In the early 1980s and into 1985, hydropower consistently grew annually by around 0.1 TWh. There were minimal changes recorded from 1995 until the early 2000s, with some variations such as decreases and subsequent recoveries occurring in 2005, 2007, and 2011. Later, from 2019 through 2022, hydropower experienced a slight uptick, reaching an increase of 0.4 TWh at one point, followed by stabilization. However, this overall subdued progression emphasizes the urgency for diversified and expanded low-carbon electricity sources to meet sustainable energy goals and counteract any reliance on imported electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade