Gabon Accelerates Energy Independence with New Butane Gas Facility in Moanda

Gabon has taken a significant stride toward bolstering domestic energy security with the groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art butane gas filling centre in Moanda, Haut-Ogooué province. Spearheaded by Gabon’s Minister of Petroleum, Marcel Abéké, the project broke ground on February 10, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s strategy to modernize its gas infrastructure and reduce reliance on imports.

The $16.2 million (11 billion CFA francs) facility, managed by the Gabonese Company for Petroleum Product Storage (Sgepp), is set to transform the region’s energy landscape. Slated for completion within nine months, the plant will double daily filling capacity from 1,500 to 2,500 gas cylinders, scaling up to 600,000 bottles annually. Designed to accommodate 3 kg, 6 kg, and 12 kg cylinders, the centre aims to enhance accessibility for households and businesses while offering flexible solutions tailored to consumer needs.

Reducing Import Dependency

Gabon currently imports 90% of its butane gas, a dependency this initiative seeks to slash. The Moanda facility complements the recently inaugurated Batanga gas production plant near Port-Gentil, operational since February 2024. With an annual output of 15,000 tons, the Batanga plant is projected to cut import volumes by over 50%, aligning with Gabon’s broader vision to harness local resources for energy sovereignty.

Strategic Economic and Social Impact

By expanding storage and distribution capabilities, Gabon aims to stabilize supply chains, lower costs, and ensure consistent access to clean energy a critical factor for both urban and rural communities. The Moanda project not only addresses immediate energy demands but also supports job creation and industrial growth, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainable development.

Minister Abéké emphasized the facility’s role in “building a resilient energy ecosystem,” while Sgepp Director General Yvon Tchicot highlighted its potential to “empower local economies and improve quality of life.” As Gabon continues to invest in infrastructure and innovation, the nation positions itself as a regional leader in energy self-sufficiency, paving the way for long-term economic stability and environmental stewardship.

This dual focus on capacity-building and import reduction underscores Gabon’s proactive approach to balancing industrial progress with the needs of its citizens, setting a blueprint for energy resilience in Central Africa.