Mouila Faces Electricity Crisis as Thermal power station Breakdown disrupts Southern Gabon
Mouila,January 10,2025 — A notable breakdown at the Mouila thermal power station has plunged several communities in southern Gabon into a severe electricity crisis. The disruption,which began on January 2nd,has left residents of Mouila,Ndendé,Lébamba,and Tchibanga grappling with frequent power outages,damaging household appliances and causing food spoilage.
According to a press release from the Water and Energy Company of Gabon (SEEG), the crisis stems from the shutdown of a critical unit at the Mouila thermal power station, a key component of the Southern Interconnection Network (RIS). Kevin Nzoghé, the region’s technical electrical manager, explained, “As January 2nd, we have been facing a major electricity shortage, which forces us to make power cuts day and night in the communities of Mouila, Ndendé, Tchibanga, and Lébamba.”
The energy demands of these cities far exceed the current supply. For instance, Tchibanga requires 900 kW but receives only 500 kW during the day. Similarly, Ndendé needs 600 kW during peak nighttime hours but is limited to 400 kW. Lébamba’s demand stands at 800 kW, yet only 500 kW is available. Mouila, despite having a capacity of 3000 kW, requires 1100 kW to meet its needs.
to address the crisis, SEEG is installing two new power units with a combined capacity of 4500 kVA. Nzoghé assured residents, “The first group will be working by the end of the weekend to meet daily demand. The second one should be put into service next week, which will meet the needs expressed on the louetsi network.” However, the installation has faced delays due to the breakdown of an overhead crane, forcing the use of a Hiab vehicle and causing further setbacks.
Despite these efforts, residents remain frustrated. Repeated power outages have led to significant losses, including damaged appliances and spoiled food. The situation has sparked widespread discontent, with many questioning SEEG’s ability to deliver on its promises.
Key Data: Electricity Supply vs. Demand
| City | Demand (kW) | Supply (kW) | Deficit (kW) |
|————|—————–|—————–|——————|
| Tchibanga | 900 | 500 | 400 |
| Ndendé | 600 | 400 | 200 |
| Lébamba | 800 | 500 | 300 |
| Mouila | 1100 | 3000 | -1900 (surplus) |
As SEEG works to resolve the crisis, the people of southern Gabon continue to endure the hardships of unreliable electricity. The situation underscores the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and reliable energy solutions in the region.
For more updates on the energy crisis in Gabon, stay tuned to AGP News.
Interview: Addressing the Mouila Electricity Crisis with Energy Expert Dr. Jean-Luc Mboumba
Southern Gabon is currently grappling with a severe electricity crisis following a breakdown at the Mouila thermal power station. communities like Mouila, Ndendé, Lébamba, and Tchibanga are facing frequent power outages, leading to significant disruptions in daily life. To shed light on the situation, we sat down with Dr. Jean-Luc Mboumba,a renowned energy specialist,to discuss the causes,impacts,and potential solutions to this ongoing crisis.
The Root Cause of the Crisis
Senior Editor: Dr. Mboumba, thank you for joining us. Can you start by explaining what caused the breakdown at the Mouila thermal power station and how it has impacted the region?
Dr. Jean-Luc Mboumba: Thank you for having me. The crisis stems from the shutdown of a critical unit at the Mouila thermal power station, which is a key component of the Southern Interconnection Network (RIS). This unit’s failure has drastically reduced the power supply to several cities, leaving them with significant deficits. For exmaple, Tchibanga requires 900 kW but is only receiving 500 kW, while Ndendé needs 600 kW but is limited to 400 kW.This imbalance has led to frequent power cuts, affecting households, businesses, and essential services.
Current Efforts to Resolve the Crisis
Senior Editor: What steps are being taken by the Water and Energy Company of Gabon (SEEG) to address this issue?
Dr. Jean-Luc Mboumba: SEEG is working to install two new power units with a combined capacity of 4500 kVA. According to Kevin Nzoghé,the region’s technical electrical manager,the first unit is expected to be operational by the end of this weekend,which should help meet daily demand. The second unit is slated to come online next week, further alleviating the strain on the network. However, the installation process has faced delays due to the breakdown of an overhead crane, which has slowed progress.
Challenges and Frustrations
Senior Editor: Despite these efforts, residents are still experiencing significant hardships. Can you elaborate on the challenges they are facing?
Dr.Jean-Luc Mboumba: Absolutely. The repeated power outages have caused considerable damage to household appliances and led to food spoilage, especially in areas where refrigeration is essential. This has sparked widespread frustration and discontent among residents, many of whom are questioning SEEG’s ability to deliver on its promises. The situation highlights the urgent need for more reliable energy infrastructure and better contingency planning to prevent such crises in the future.
Long-Term Solutions and Infrastructure Upgrades
senior Editor: What long-term solutions would you recommend to prevent similar crises in the future?
Dr. Jean-Luc Mboumba: To ensure a stable energy supply, Gabon must invest in upgrading its aging infrastructure and diversifying its energy sources. This includes exploring renewable energy options like solar and hydroelectric power, which can provide more sustainable and resilient alternatives to thermal power stations. Additionally, improving maintenance protocols and investing in modern equipment can definitely help prevent breakdowns and ensure quicker responses when issues arise.It’s also crucial to engage with local communities to better understand thier needs and build trust in the energy sector.
Looking Ahead
Senior Editor: what message would you like to share with the residents of southern Gabon who are enduring this crisis?
Dr. Jean-Luc Mboumba: I want to assure them that their concerns are being heard and that steps are being taken to resolve the situation. While the current challenges are significant, I believe that with the right investments and strategic planning, we can build a more reliable and sustainable energy system for the region. Meanwhile, I encourage residents to stay informed and support efforts to improve the situation.
