Gabon is accelerating the implementation of its plan to achieve full electricity coverage throughout the country, a challenge that remains relevant in most of sub-Saharan Africa.
Construction Progress and Timeline
The construction of the first phase of the IPP Mayumba gas-fired thermal power plant, with a capacity of 8.5 megawatts, is expected to be completed in July 2025, announced the Gabon Power Company (GPC) in a statement released on July 29th.
GPC is a subsidiary of the Gabonese Strategic Investment Fund (FGIS), dedicated to financing projects in electricity production and drinking water infrastructure.
Impact on Electricity Supply and Regional Development
These initial megawatts will be injected into the interconnected grid of Nyanga and Ngounié, which will “help reduce the electricity demand of populations and industries located in the south of the country,” says GPC.
This project will also catalyze new investments, promoting sustainable development in this region. In terms of employment opportunities for the local workforce, approximately 450 jobs will be created by this project.
GPC’s Perspective on the Project’s Significance
“We are very proud to have started the initial work on the Mayumba gas-fired thermal power plant. This major step brings us closer to several of our objectives within the framework of this project, including providing electricity to approximately 80,000 households in southern Gabon and utilizing the country’s gas resources to revive the long-awaited major projects in the mining, forestry, and port sectors,” said Philippe Jr. Ossoucah, CEO of GPC.
Public-Private Partnership and Construction Details
The construction of this power plant, with an installed capacity of 21 MW (expandable to 50 MW) and powered by gas, is being carried out as part of the public-private partnership (PPP) signed between the Gabonese government, GPC, and Perenco.
The work began on July 13th with the development of roads and various networks (VRD), as well as the plant’s related infrastructure.
Contractor and Investment Details
The execution of this work has been entrusted to the successful bidder, Nuez et Fils, a Gabonese company. According to estimates reported by Le Nouveau Gabon, the development of the Mayumba gas-fired thermal power plant will require a total investment of 75 billion FCFA.