The 35 MW Kinguélé Aval dam is moving into a critical integration phase, reinforcing Gabon’s push to stabilise electricity supply in the Greater Libreville area through renewable energy and public–private investment.
Gabon has reached a significant milestone in one of its flagship energy infrastructure projects. The Kinguélé Aval hydropower dam, located north-east of Libreville, is now nearly 75% complete, with works advancing on the technically sensitive phase of connecting the power plant to the national 225 kV electricity transmission network.
The update follows a site visit on 6 January 2026 by Philippe Tonangoye, Minister of Universal Access to Water and Energy, underscoring the government’s focus on delivery timelines, technical compliance, and operational readiness. For investors, development partners, and regional energy observers, the project is a key indicator of Gabon’s strategy to strengthen energy security while expanding renewable generation capacity.
A Strategic Phase: Connecting Kinguélé Aval to the National Grid
During his visit, Minister Tonangoye supervised works linked to the physical and technical interconnection of the future power station with Gabon’s high-voltage transmission system. The grid connection, designed at 225 kilovolts, is a decisive step toward the eventual injection of electricity into the Greater Libreville network, which concentrates the country’s highest demand.
According to officials on site, the operations are progressing in line with the predefined schedule and in compliance with required technical and safety standards. Completed works include the temporary shutdown and isolation of the 225 kV line, grounding of conductors, installation of a new interconnection pylon, and the fitting of insulator chains—procedures that are critical to ensuring network stability and worker safety.
Government Oversight and Project Progress
Speaking during the visit, Minister Tonangoye stressed the importance of close government monitoring at this stage of the project.
The minister confirmed that the project’s overall progress rate is approaching 75%, and indicated that he would formally report on the status of the works to the President of the Republic during forthcoming interministerial discussions and Cabinet meetings.
This level of political oversight reflects the project’s strategic importance in a country where power outages have historically constrained economic activity, particularly in the capital region.
Electromechanical Equipment Delivered as Installation Nears
The visit also coincided with the delivery of key electromechanical equipment by Africa Global Logistics (AGL). Among the components received were the stator and rotor of an alternator, essential elements used to convert hydraulic energy into electrical power.
These components will be assembled on site before being installed at the core of the power station. Their arrival signals the transition from civil engineering works to the final stages of electromechanical installation, a shift that typically precedes commissioning and testing.
Reservoir Filling and Turbine Testing Scheduled for 2026
Looking ahead, Philippe Jr. Ossoucah, Chief Executive Officer of Gabon Power Company (GPC), outlined the project’s upcoming milestones. According to GPC, reservoir filling is scheduled to begin in April 2026, followed by the installation of turbines.
Testing of the first turbine is expected to commence in August 2026, allowing the initial injection of electricity into the Greater Libreville grid. The second and third turbines will be commissioned progressively, bringing the plant to its full installed capacity of 35 megawatts.
For Gabon’s power system, this additional capacity is expected to significantly improve supply reliability and reduce service interruptions in the country’s main urban and economic hub.
A Public–Private Partnership at the Core of Gabon’s Energy Strategy
Kinguélé Aval is being developed under a public–private partnership (PPP) between the Gabonese state and Asonha Énergie, a consortium bringing together Meridiam, a global infrastructure investment fund, and Gabon Power Company, a subsidiary of the Gabonese Strategic Investment Fund (FGIS).
The project currently employs more than 820 workers, with over 50 local companies involved in construction and related services. This local participation has positioned the dam not only as an energy project, but also as a short- to medium-term driver of economic activity and skills transfer.
Social and Local Development Dimensions
Beyond its technical and economic objectives, the Kinguélé Aval project incorporates a social responsibility component aimed at surrounding communities. Implemented initiatives include the renovation of the public primary school in Andock Foula village, rehabilitation of housing for teachers, installation of potable water boreholes, and rural electrification works.
These measures are intended to ensure that host communities benefit directly from the project, reinforcing its role as a development catalyst rather than a standalone infrastructure asset.
As Gabon advances toward commissioning the Kinguélé Aval dam, the project is emerging as a cornerstone of the country’s renewable energy and power stability strategy. Its timely delivery could materially reduce electricity disruptions in Greater Libreville while strengthening confidence in Gabon’s ability to execute complex infrastructure projects through public–private partnerships.
For international investors and development stakeholders, the coming months—marked by reservoir filling, turbine installation, and initial grid injection—will be critical in determining whether Kinguélé Aval can fully deliver on its promise of improved energy security and long-term economic impact.
