In a significant step toward resolving the energy crisis in southern Gabon, the Gabonese government, alongside key development stakeholders such as Perenco and the Gabon Power Company (GPC), amended the agreement protocol for the IPP Mayumba gas thermal power plant project on March 19. This initiative, as detailed by a statement from the Ministry of Energy, aims to increase electricity production capacity by up to 50 MW, addressing electricity shortages observed in some regions of the country.
The amendment assigns Perenco the responsibility of constructing electrical production infrastructure with a total capacity of approximately 10 MW. It also includes building a gas pipeline connecting their offshore oil field to the Mayumba power plant site. Conversely, GPC commits to integrating the plant with Mayumba's existing grid, constructing a 100 km power line between Mayumba and Tchibanga, and electrifying rural areas along this corridor while enhancing related infrastructure.
The first phase of the project is slated to be operational by 2025.
This ambitious project aims to connect approximately 80,000 households to the interconnected grid of Nyanga and Ngounié, creating nearly 450 jobs, primarily for Gabonese citizens. It also promises to bolster local businesses by offering them contracts for project execution, thereby supporting regional economic growth and employment.
The IPP Mayumba gas thermal power plant is poised to drive development by leveraging Gabon's gas resources and initiating several long-awaited projects, including the Mayumba deep-water port. The signing, which brought together ministerial representatives and key business leaders, marks a significant milestone towards ushering in an era of energy and economic progress for Gabon.