As of 2023, electricity consumption in Gabon highlights a significant reliance on both fossil fuels and low-carbon sources. Nearly 45% of the electricity is generated from fossil sources, primarily gas, which makes up close to a third of the total consumption. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy forms an encouraging portion of the country's electric supply at a little over 40%, driven nearly entirely by hydropower. Net imports account for more than 15% of the electricity used in Gabon, showcasing the country's reliance on external sources to meet its energy demands. The country's commitment to hydropower is commendable and places Gabon among those aiming towards a greener future, though there remains a considerable dependence on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Gabon?
When considering the trend in electricity growth in Gabon, the figures indicate a slight decline. The total electricity consumption per person recently recorded was 1517 kWh, just below the previous year's record of 1535 kWh/person. This drop, although not steep, is worrying in the context of future energy demands. Moreover, low-carbon electricity generation, currently at 616 kWh/person, falls significantly short of the historic peak witnessed in 1985 when it reached 817 kWh/person. The reduction in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation per person underscores the need for renewed efforts to scale up clean energy initiatives.
Suggestions
To significantly boost low-carbon electricity generation, Gabon can look towards adopting a diversified mix that prioritizes both solar and nuclear energy. Drawing lessons from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear electricity forms a substantial portion of their clean energy supply at 70% and 66% respectively, Gabon could explore nuclear energy as a backbone for dependable green electricity. Similarly, Denmark and Uruguay's successes with wind energy, making up 60% and 33% respectively, highlight the potential of harnessing wind resources, though Gabon's geographical context might make nuclear and solar more applicable. Solar power, exemplified by notable commitments in states like California, with nearly 29%, and Greece, with 23%, illustrates how Gabon can tap into its abundant sunlight to further elevate its low-carbon electricity generation for a sustainable future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Gabon reveals a largely hydropower-centric development. From the early 1980s, there was gradual growth in hydropower contribution, with consistent small increments of 0.1 TWh annually in years like 1981, 1982, and 1984. However, the ensuing decades saw fluctuating growth, with instances of stagnation or slight decline such as in 2005 and 2007. In recent years, starting from 2019, there has been a notable increase, marked by a 0.4 TWh surge that remains unmatched. The ongoing commitment to this clean energy source is encouraging, yet the volatility and recent downturns highlight the need for diversification, particularly through introducing solar and nuclear energy, to fortify and expand the country's low-carbon electricity portfolio.
