Gabon has reached a historic milestone in its renewable energy journey with the launch of its first utility-scale solar plant. Located in the Plaine-Ayémé area — just 30 kilometres from Libreville, the Ayémé PV plant is now the largest solar power facility in Central Africa. Contact online >>
Gabon has reached a historic milestone in its renewable energy journey with the launch of its first utility-scale solar plant. Located in the Plaine-Ayémé area — just 30 kilometres from Libreville, the Ayémé PV plant is now the largest solar power facility in Central Africa.
This project signifies a significant step toward reducing Gabon''s dependence on fossil fuels and expanding access to clean and reliable energy. The Ayémé plant not only enhances the country''s energy capacity but also underscores Gabon''s commitment to combating climate change.
The Ayémé utility-scale solar plant was developed by Solen SA Gabon, a subsidiary of Solen Renewable Dubai. With an initial capacity of 11 MW, the plant is set to expand to 30 MW under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the state utility, Société d''Energie et d''Eau du Gabon (SEEG). Once fully operational, the expanded plant will provide electricity to over 300,000 homes.
Announced in 2021, the project faced delays and funding challenges. Initially planned as a 120 MW facility split into two 60 MW phases, the plant''s scope was scaled back during development. Despite these hurdles, its completion marks a significant achievement for Gabon''s renewable energy sector.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Brice Oligui Nguema highlighted the plant''s importance for Gabon''s sustainable development goals. "This utility-scale solar plant represents an important milestone in the production and distribution of clean, sustainable, and modern electricity. It reflects our nation''s commitment to improving energy access and fighting climate change," said Nguema.
The project also serves as a model for integrating renewable energy into Gabon''s national power grid. With 150 direct jobs created during construction and operations, the facility also contributes to local economic development.
Gabon''s electricity generation currently relies heavily on hydropower (47.7%), natural gas (35%), and oil (16.9%), according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Solar power plays a minimal role, with only 1 MW of installed capacity recorded at the end of 2022, as reported by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The Ayémé plant significantly boosts Gabon''s solar capacity, positioning it as a regional leader in renewable energy. The project highlights the potential for utility-scale solar plants to address energy needs in a sustainable and cost-effective way.
The Ayémé project faced several challenges, including funding reductions and delays. However, it also showcases the resilience and innovation of Gabon''s energy sector. The plant''s completion highlights the importance of strong public-private partnerships in overcoming barriers to renewable energy development.
The Ayémé utility-scale solar plant in Gabon, with its planned expansion, will reduce the country''s reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and strengthen energy security. As the largest solar facility in Central Africa, it sets a strong precedent for future solar investments, demonstrating the viability of large-scale solar projects in addressing regional energy challenges.
The Ayémé utility-scale solar plant reflects a broader trend across Africa, where nations are turning to solar power to meet rising energy demands. By transforming energy systems, reducing emissions, and improving grid reliability, the plant sets the stage for further renewable energy development in Gabon. With abundant sunlight and growing energy needs, Gabon is poised to expand its solar capacity and diversify its energy mix to achieve its climate goals.
The inauguration of Gabon''s first utility-scale solar plant marks a turning point for the country''s energy sector. With its ability to generate clean and reliable power for thousands of homes, the Ayémé plant showcases the transformative potential of solar energy.
The Ayémé Solar Power Station is a proposed 120 megawatts solar power plant in Gabon. The power station is under development by Solen, an independent power producer (IPP). The solar farm will be developed in two phases of 60 megawatts each. The energy generated at this power station is expected to be sold to the Energy and Water Company of Gabon (Société d''Energie et d''Eau du Gabon) (SEEG), for distribution in Libreville, the capital city of the county and its surrounding metropolis.[1][2]
The power station is under construction in the village of Ayémé Plaine, located in Komo Department, Estuaire Province, approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi), north-northeast of Libreville.[1][2]
As of March 2022, Gabon''s installed electricity generation capacity was reported as 750 megawatts. Of this, about 50 percent is sourced from natural gas. The remaining portion is sourced from hydropower and fossil-fuel sources. The Government of Gabon has ambitions to source 80 percent of its grid supply from renewable energy sources by 2030.[1][2]
The design to this solar farm calls for a generation capacity of 120 megawatts, when fully developed. The power station will be developed in two phases of 60 megawatts each. The power is primarily for use in Libreville, where 250 megawatts of new generation are needed by 2023, in order to comply with previous environmental emissions commitments.[1][2]
The company that owns and is developing this power station, is called Solen.[1][2] Solen specializes in building solar power stations in Africa. The company is based in France.[3] In addition, Solen is expected to train the staff of SEEG, the Gabonese electric utility parastatal, in the operation and maintenance of solar power stations.[2]
The company reportedly said it aims to expand the facility to 30 MW under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with state utility Société d’Energie et d’Eau du Gabon (SEEG). The project is expected to power 300,000 homes and create 150 direct jobs.
The plant, announced in 2021, faced delays and reductions in funding after construction began in August 2022. Initially planned as a 120 MW project split into two 60 MW phases, it was scaled back during development.
At the inauguration, President Brice Oligui Nguema highlighted the project as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action.
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