Gabon’s electricity consumption in 2023 reflects a balanced mix with nearly equal contributions from fossil and low-carbon sources. Fossil energy contributes to a significant portion of electricity generation with gas accounting for almost a third of the total share. On the flip side, low-carbon electricity, primarily from hydropower, makes up about 40% of the overall electricity use. The reliance on net imports, which constitute over 15% of the total, further underscores the need for enhancing domestic electricity production. The lean towards hydropower is a positive stride in maintaining sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, yet there's much potential to improve low-carbon sourcing to further decarbonize Gabon’s electric system.
Is Electricity Growing in Gabon?
Concerning the growth of electricity consumption in Gabon, there is a rather concerning trend as total electricity usage is slightly declining, dropping from a previous record of 1535 kWh/person in 2022 to 1517 kWh/person in 2023. This decline suggests stagnation rather than growth, which is troubling considering the positive trajectory needed to fuel economic and technological expansion. Even more worrying is the decrease in low-carbon electricity generation compared to its historical levels. The latest low-carbon electricity consumption has decreased by 201 kWh/person since its peak level recorded in 1985. This kind of regression underscores a need for intensified policy focus and investment aimed at boosting generation capacities in the green energy sphere.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Gabon should draw lessons from various successful regions worldwide. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia are thriving with substantial nuclear energy contributions, 69% and 64% respectively. Meanwhile, states in the United States, like Iowa and South Dakota, have embraced wind energy, generating over 60% of electricity from wind. Gabon could explore a diversified energy strategy by investing in solar energy, drawing inspiration from sunny regions such as Lebanon where solar makes up 31% of the energy mix. The utilization of these clean energy sources not only helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also enhances energy security and stability for future growth.
History
Historically, Gabon's low-carbon electricity has predominantly been driven by hydropower, with varying increments and occasional declines. The early 1980s marked steady growth with consistent yearly increases, stabilizing around the 1990s and resuming a pattern of growth by the 2000s. Notably, the 2010s indicated an erratic pattern with both positive and negative shifts, though there was a significant surge of 0.4 TWh in 2019. However, this has been slowed in more recent years. Continuous expansion is necessary, as stable and growing low-carbon electricity is key to ensuring an environmentally sustainable electricity supply while meeting the ambitions of expanding Gabon's economy. This historical perspective highlights the immediate need for robust planning and investments in clean electricity generation to continue the positive momentum and bridge past shortcomings.