World Power Plants

Poubara160 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

Poubara stands out as Gabon's premier power generation facility, boasting a capacity of 160 MW, making it the largest hydroelectric plant in the country. This significant ranking is underscored by its pivotal role in Gabon's energy landscape, as it contributes approximately 35.81% to the nation's total capacity of 447 MW across six power generation facilities. The dominance of hydroelectric power in Gabon is evident, with Poubara being one of only three hydro plants, and its isolated location highlights the plant's unique importance in the region. Surrounded by lush Gabonese rainforest, Poubara is strategically located along the river, allowing for efficient water flow and energy generation through its advanced hydroelectric technology. The plant utilizes an efficient turbine system designed to maximize energy output while minimizing environmental impact, a crucial aspect in a country where hydro power is the cornerstone of the energy sector. Given that there are no other plants within a 50 km radius, Poubara serves as a critical energy supplier for the nearby communities while ensuring grid stability in a region that relies heavily on renewable energy sources. In the national context, Gabon's energy profile primarily consists of hydroelectric power, and Poubara's output reinforces the commitment to sustainable energy development. The owner and operator of this facility play a vital role in maintaining its operations, ensuring that it meets the demands of the local population while contributing to Gabon’s long-term energy goals. As the country seeks to expand its renewable energy capabilities, Poubara's significance will likely grow, paving the way for future investments in hydroelectric infrastructure and further solidifying Gabon's position as a leader in hydropower in Central Africa.

Capacity
160 MW
Commissioning Year
2015

11 years old

Owner
Gabonese Water and Electricity Company (SEEG)
Location
-1.7733°, 13.5520°

Gabon, Africa

Context & rankings
  • 1. largest of 6 plants in Gabon
  • #8,154 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,689 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 35.81% of the installed capacity of Gabon
Age & fleet comparison

11 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Gabonese Water and Electricity Company (SEEG) operates 1 plants totalling 160 MW

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: -1.773300, 13.552000
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Poubara is a hydro power plant producing approximately 561 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
Gabon
Continent
Africa
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

GabonEnergy Profile

6
Total Plants
0.5 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGasOil
Top Fuels

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