How is Gabon approaching energy planning?

To achieve climate agreements, and meet its growing energy demands, Gabon is approaching energy planning through a different process. News & Commentary Features/Analysis News Industry Sectors Generation Transmission and Distribution Metering Finance and Policy Climate Change Renewable energy Bio-energy Geothermal Hydropower Solar Wind

Does Gabon have hydropower?

In a country 90% covered by forest and by thousands of waterways which receive significant rainfall nine months of the year, that means hydropower. Already, hydropower provides more than half (51%) of Gabon’s current 2,000GWh of electricity per year, from an installed capacity of 720MW.

How much power does Gabon need in 2040?

Nonetheless, World Bankstudies indicate that by 2040, Gabon will require an installed capacity of at least 1,250MW. However, closer to 1,850MW will be needed to power industrialisation where new processing enterprises will transform Gabon’s natural riches such as timber, manganese, and iron, which are currently exported as raw materials.

What are water batteries?

'Water batteries' are formally known as aqueous metal-ion batteries. These devices use metals such as magnesium or zinc, which are cheaper to assemble and less toxic than the materials currently used in other kinds of batteries.

What challenges does Gabon face?

As a would-be emerging nation looking at diversifying and sustainably growing its economy, Gabon faces the challenge of simultaneously meeting increasing energy demand to improve socioeconomic conditions and protecting biodiversity and resilient ecosystem services into the future.

Could a water heater be a battery?

Water heaters, according to new research, are looking like more than just water heaters in the modern, renewably powered home. They could, in fact, be something closer to a battery. The concept is simple but effective—when energy supply is high, it can be stored as heat in the water, and homeowners can reduce their subsequent water-heating demands.