In a bold step to reinforce Gabon’s energy independence, Turkish firm Aksa Enerji Üretim A.Ş. is launching a 140-megawatt (MW) natural gas power plant project in the country.
Backed by a $150 million financing agreement with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), this project brings both permanent infrastructure and long-term expertise to Gabon’s energy mix.
Aksa Energy, founded in 1997 and part of the Kazancı Holding Group, is one of Turkey’s largest independent power producers. The company began by developing domestic fuel-oil and gas-fired plants in Turkey before expanding abroad in the 2010s.
Today, Aksa Energy operates across three continents with over 2,400 MW of installed capacity. The company specializes in building and operating power plants that use natural gas, fuel oil, biogas, hydro, and wind. Aksa handles EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) and long-term O&M (operation and maintenance) in-house.
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These projects reflect Aksa’s proven ability to deliver reliable baseload power in challenging environments, particularly where electricity shortages are chronic and infrastructure is underdeveloped.
Gabon has long depended on a fragmented power generation model—combining hydro, diesel, and emergency supply contracts. The Aksa 140 MW plant would become one of the largest onshore thermal generation sites in the country, helping to:
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Stabilize the grid for Libreville, Port-Gentil, and surrounding areas
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Reduce reliance on expensive floating solutions or fuel imports
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Integrate with Perenco’s domestic gas network
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Provide stable energy for industrial and urban growth
With Gabon’s proven gas reserves nearing 26 billion cubic meters, and growing demand for reliable electricity, Aksa’s permanent infrastructure complements national goals of self-reliance, cost control, and emissions reduction.
Since early 2025, Karpowership has been supplying 70 MW of power to Libreville under a broader 5-year contract for 250 MW. Their floating power ships serve as a fast-deploy solution, but they remain temporary assets that rely on imported fuel.
In contrast, Aksa’s onshore plant offers permanence, localization, and deeper integration into Gabon’s gas and electricity ecosystem.
Aksa Energy’s 140 MW project isn’t just about power generation - it’s about infrastructure, partnership, and long-term commitment. If successfully delivered, it can become a key driver of economic resilience and energy sovereignty for Gabon.
Steven OBAME
