20 MW Solar Project Cleared For Gabon

• Gabon has approved a 20 MW solar power plant to be built in Ngounie region
• It will be developed by Turkey's Desiba Energy for an estimated €27 million
• Power generated by 75% of the capacity will be sold to SEEG for around $0.17 per kWh

The Government of Gabon has approved the proposal of Turkey based solar panel producer Desiba Energy to set up a 20 MW solar power plant in the country. The requisite permits now allow it to build the project that's expected to cost an investment of €27 million.

Gabonese Minister of Investment Promotion, Public-Private Partnerships, Carmen Ndaot announced the signing of a framework investment agreement with the Turkish company on her social media account. The said project will be located in Ngounie.

According to local media reports, the Mouila Solar Power Plant will be developed under Emerging Gabon Strategic Plan (PSGE) and also Transformation Acceleration Plan (PAT) as the government seeks to have 250 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2023.

Under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Societe d'Energie et d'Eau du Gabon (SEEG), Desiba Energy is expected to supply 75% of the power generated by the 20 MW facility for $0.17 per kWh.

A manufacturer with 400 MW annual capacity according to its website, Desiba Enery had approached Gabonese government in February 2021 with a proposal to develop the project.

News of this project comes a month after France's Total Eren was chosen by Gabon's Energy and Water Resources Ministry to set up 50 MW solar power plant in the country (see Africa's Gabon To Host 50 MW Solar Power Project).