T he President of the Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, received in Libreville a delegation from the Wärtsilä Group led by Kenneth Engblom. Discussions focused on the construction of the Orenco thermal power plant in Owendo, with a capacity of 225 MW. This flagship project, estimated at more than 100 billion CFA francs, aims to meet the country’s growing energy demand and support its industrialization.

The Head of State held a working session this Wednesday, 18 February, in Libreville with a delegation from the Wärtsilä Group. The discussions focused on the development of the Orenco power plant, planned in the municipality of Owendo, with a total capacity of 225 megawatts.

This infrastructure aims to significantly strengthen the country’s electricity‑generation capacity in a context of rapidly growing energy demand, particularly in Greater Libreville.

Estimated at more than 100 billion CFA francs, the project represents a major lever for Gabon’s economic development. In addition to sustainably improving electricity supply for households and businesses, the power plant is expected to generate significant socio‑economic benefits.

“The construction phase, which began in June 2025, will create both direct and indirect jobs while stimulating activity among local businesses. The commissioning of the infrastructure is scheduled for 2028.

As the project’s technical partner, the Wärtsilä Group specializes in engine manufacturing and integrated energy solutions. The company has more than 70 gigawatts of installed capacity worldwide and has been present in Gabon since 1977.

The project is being carried out in synergy with the Gabon Power Company (GPC), as part of close collaboration with the national authorities.

In the long term, the Orenco power plant is expected to improve the stability of the electrical grid in Greater Libreville and support the industrialization momentum driven by the public authorities.