How is Gabon approaching energy planning?

To achieve climate agreements, and meet its growing energy demands, Gabon is approaching energy planning through a different process. News & Commentary Features/Analysis News Industry Sectors Generation Transmission and Distribution Metering Finance and Policy Climate Change Renewable energy Bio-energy Geothermal Hydropower Solar Wind

Does Gabon have hydropower?

In a country 90% covered by forest and by thousands of waterways which receive significant rainfall nine months of the year, that means hydropower. Already, hydropower provides more than half (51%) of Gabon’s current 2,000GWh of electricity per year, from an installed capacity of 720MW.

Does Gabon have a partnership with the Nature Conservancy?

The Gabonese State has signed a partnership agreement with The Nature Conservancy, an international conservation organisation operating in Gabon, to provide support on questions relating to the environmental impacts of new energy projects.

How much power does Gabon need in 2040?

Nonetheless, World Bankstudies indicate that by 2040, Gabon will require an installed capacity of at least 1,250MW. However, closer to 1,850MW will be needed to power industrialisation where new processing enterprises will transform Gabon’s natural riches such as timber, manganese, and iron, which are currently exported as raw materials.

Is rural electrification possible in Gabon?

Rural electrification is no easy task. Challenges include a sparse and scattered population, hilly terrain with a dense primary forest that complicates travel, and the absence of an operator to manage decentralised units. Nonetheless, World Bankstudies indicate that by 2040, Gabon will require an installed capacity of at least 1,250MW.

Are China's wind turbines a scarecrow?

The lack of demand and transmission infrastructure toward more demanding areas led The New York Times to describe the turbines as looking “like scarecrows, idle and inert”. China still generates most of its energy from coal, but will likely invest more in renewables as the energy transition progresses.