Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
Development of two major hydroelectric sites on the Ogooué River in Gabon - Booué and Tsengue-Leledi - including construction of dams, power plants, and associated transmission infrastructure to enhance Gabon's power generation capacity and support economic development.
Objectives
Increase Gabon's installed power generation capacity through development of renewable hydropower resources; reduce dependence on thermal generation and imported energy; provide reliable electricity to support industrial development, particularly in the mining and forestry sectors; enhance power supply to underserved regions; create a foundation for potential power exports to neighboring countries; generate employment and economic opportunities during construction and operation; develop clean energy infrastructure that aligns with Gabon's climate commitments; and strengthen the national electricity grid through associated transmission infrastructure.
Strategic Importance
The Booué and Tsengue-Leledi hydroelectric projects represent strategic investments in Gabon's energy infrastructure, harnessing the significant hydropower potential of the Ogooué River to support national development goals. These projects will significantly increase the country's renewable energy capacity, reducing dependence on thermal generation and supporting the government's vision for greener economic growth. The associated transmission infrastructure will strengthen the national grid and improve electricity access in currently underserved regions. By providing reliable power, the projects will support development of key economic sectors including mining, forestry, and manufacturing. The development of these sites also positions Gabon as a potential future exporter of clean energy to neighboring countries in the Central African region.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
The projects will utilize conventional hydropower technology with concrete gravity dams, underground powerhouses equipped with Francis turbines, and associated balance of plant. Transmission infrastructure will include high-voltage lines (likely 225kV) with modern substations and control systems.
Capacity & Size
Booué hydroelectric site: approximately 200-220 MW capacity; Tsengue-Leledi site: approximately 150-180 MW capacity; Associated transmission infrastructure: approximately 300-350 km of high-voltage transmission lines and 3-4 new substations
Technical Details
Dam specifications: Concrete gravity dams with heights of 40-60m; Powerhouse configurations: Underground powerhouses with Francis turbines; Transmission: 225kV lines with modern substations; Control systems: Automated control with integration to national dispatch center; Environmental flow provisions: Minimum flow requirements built into operational protocols; Fish passage facilities: To be determined based on environmental studies
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Feasibility studies (2018-2024); Transaction structuring and financing (2024-2026); Construction and implementation (2026-2030)
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-04-23 — Global Hydropower Tracker lists Booué as in pre-construction; 2025 status consolidation supports ongoing preparatory works and packaging. [https://www.gem.wiki/Boou%C3%A9_hydroelectric_plant]
Financing Structure
The projects are expected to be financed through a combination of public and private investment, potentially including: sovereign loans from multilateral development banks (AfDB, World Bank); bilateral financing from development partners; Gabonese government equity contributions; and potential private sector participation through PPP arrangements, particularly for the power generation components. The final financing structure will be determined through the ongoing feasibility studies.
Capital Structure
Preliminary capital structure envisions approximately 30% equity (combination of government and potential private investors) and 70% debt financing through concessional and commercial loans. The exact structure will be determined during the transaction structuring phase.
Project Timeline
Start Date
January 2018
Expected Completion
December 2030
Development Timeline
Feasibility studies (2018-2024); Transaction structuring and financing (2024-2026); Construction and implementation (2026-2030)
Project Status History
Status 2020
Transaction Support
Status 2022
Pre-Feasibility
Status 2024
Feasibility
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 15.00M
Construction Timeline
Site preparation and early works (2026-2027); Main dam and powerhouse construction (2027-2030); Transmission line construction (2028-2030); Commissioning and testing (2030)
Legal & Financial Advisors
To be appointed in the transaction structuring phase
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
Gabon's electricity demand is growing at 5-7% annually, driven by increased urbanization, industrial development (particularly in mining and forestry sectors), and efforts to expand access to currently underserved populations. The country currently has an installed capacity of approximately 750 MW, with hydropower accounting for roughly 50%. The additional 350-400 MW from these projects will help meet growing demand while shifting the generation mix toward renewable sources.
Market Demand
The combined projects will add approximately 350-400 MW of hydropower capacity to Gabon's electricity system. Primary demand will come from the national utility SEEG, major industrial customers including mining operations, and general load growth throughout the country. The projects are sized appropriately to meet projected medium-term demand growth while allowing for future expansion.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources (Gabon), Gabon Power Company (GPC)
Key Parties
Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources (Gabon), Société d'Energie et d'Eau du Gabon (SEEG), Gabon Power Company (GPC), Société du Patrimoine (SdP), Regional organizations including PEAC (Central Africa Power Pool)
Investors
African Development Bank, World Bank, Proparco, potential private investors to be identified through the transaction structuring process
Contractors & Operators
To be determined through international competitive bidding following project structuring
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Major risks include: hydrological variability affecting power generation; geological challenges during construction; potential cost escalations for remote sites; coordination challenges between dam and transmission components; environmental and social impacts requiring management; and commercial risks related to offtaker creditworthiness. Risk mitigation strategies include comprehensive technical studies, phased implementation, structured contracts, and potentially credit enhancement mechanisms for PPAs.
Regulatory Risks
The projects will operate within Gabon's electricity sector regulatory framework, which is currently undergoing reform to enhance private participation and improve operational efficiency. Key regulatory considerations include tariff setting mechanisms, water resource management, environmental compliance, and land use arrangements. The Government of Gabon has demonstrated commitment to providing a supportive regulatory environment for these strategic projects.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
The projects will require comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments in accordance with Gabonese regulations and international standards. Key environmental considerations include: impacts on river flow regimes and aquatic ecosystems; land use changes in reservoir areas; potential impacts on biodiversity in a sensitive region; and climate resilience considerations. Environmental management plans will include measures for habitat protection, water quality monitoring, and potentially biodiversity offsets.
Social Impact
The hydroelectric developments are expected to generate approximately 2,500 direct jobs during construction and 300-400 permanent jobs during operation. Social benefits include improved electricity access for communities along the transmission routes, potential for local economic development through reliable power supply, and infrastructure improvements including access roads. Potential negative impacts including resettlement will be addressed through comprehensive management plans developed in accordance with international standards.
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Significant opportunities exist for private sector participation in: power generation through potential IPP or PPP structures; EPC contracting for dam, powerhouse, and transmission construction; equipment supply for hydropower and transmission components; operations and maintenance services; and ancillary infrastructure development including access roads and support facilities.
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Complete comprehensive feasibility studies; finalize environmental and social impact assessments; develop transaction structure and PPP framework; secure financing commitments; establish implementation arrangements; initiate procurement processes for major contracts
Offtake Agreements
Long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) will be established with SEEG as the primary offtaker, with provisions for direct sales to major industrial customers. The tariff structure and terms will be determined during the transaction structuring phase, with consideration for ensuring financial viability while maintaining affordability.
Contact Information
Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources (Gabon), Email: info@energie.gouv.ga; Gabon Power Company, Email: contact@gpc-gabon.com
