Gabon launches first phase of Plaine Ayémé solar plant

Gabon has officially launched the first phase of a major solar power project at Plaine Ayémé, located approximately 30 kilometers from Libreville. The facility, constructed by the SOLEN group, aims to strengthen the electrical supply for the Greater Libreville area and increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix.

The first phase of the plant features 92,000 solar panels spread across 105 hectares, providing a capacity of 30 MW in alternating current and 44 MW in direct current, supported by 8 MWh of battery storage. This phase is part of a larger public-private partnership project with a total estimated cost of 150 million euros (approximately 99 billion CFA francs).

Upon completion, the project is expected to reach a final capacity of 120 MW, targeting the supply of electricity to roughly 45,000 households. Government officials noted that the plant is intended to significantly increase production capacity in the region while introducing cleaner energy sources to the grid.