Demand for power and water has increased in recent years, driven by growing populations in urban areas, expanding cities and the ambitious economic development plans gradually unfolding. This has put pressure on an already strained system, often resulting in power outages and water-related difficulties such as low pressure and poor quality.
In April 2013, the Ocean Rig Olympia started drilling a first well at 1700 metres of water depth to test the pre-salt potential of Diaba, an oil block located in Gabon’s southern basin and owned by Total Gabon (42.5%), Marathon Oil (21.25%), Cobalt International Energy (21.25%) and the government of Gabon (15%). This is the first deepwater or ultra-...
Across Libreville, Gabon’s economic and political capital, construction is booming. New apartment projects stand beside office-tower scaffolding. Outside the city centre, ground is being cleared beside the village of Nkok to make way for large industrial projects in the newly inaugurated special economic zone. Inland, mining projects across the...
In April 2011 a four-day strike by the National Oil Workers Union (l'Organisation Nationale des Employés du Pétrole, ONEP) caused severe disruptions to oil production across Gabon and cost the government an estimated CFA59bn (€88.5m). Total and Shell’s operations were completely shut down and Tullow Oil experienced severe disruptions. After...
The oil industry has long reflected Gabon’s colonial past, and its close ties with Europe and France in particular. Total was first oil company to begin production in Gabon. Over the years, the French firm has battled back and forth for the distinction of largest producer in the country with Shell, an Anglo-Dutch oil giant. The Italian major ENI...
With its many rivers – including the Ogooué River, the fourth-largest in Africa by volume – Gabon has a total estimated hydroelectricity potential of 6000 MW. Over the past two decades, however, hydropower has declined as the dominant source of electricity in Gabon; no major new dams have been built in more than 30 years, while the demand for power...
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