Gabon has decided to suspend the electricity production project, for Libreville and its surroundings, from two Turkish factory boats called Karpowership, reports the generally well-informed national daily Union.
Libreville mentions “numerous inadequacies” and announces the creation of a commission of inquiry to shed light on this project which resembles a major financial scandal.
The Gabonese newspaper cites an official note from the Directorate General of Energy (DGE) addressed on November 22, 2024 to the representative of the Karpowership company in Libreville.
The Gabonese decision follows a high-level meeting held the day before, under the aegis of the Special Advisor to the President of the Republic, Head of Energy Department, Arnaud Engandji. The DGE points the finger “ numerous shortcomings noted in the implementation » of the project, without however explaining the nature of these shortcomings.
« Faced with these concerns, the Gabonese authorities decided to launch an in-depth investigation to ensure the “viability” of the project. A special commission will be set up to carry out this analysis. The DGE has already requested the “full collaboration” of Karpowership in the context of these investigations. », Specifies the Union.
The Karpowership project aims to provide a fast and flexible energy solution in Gabon through the installation of floating power plants. Adaptable to different connection sites and types of fuel, these infrastructures must make it possible to meet the growing energy needs of the country.
The Turkish company has already docked the two vessels dedicated to the project off the coast of Libreville. According to unverified information, the contract linking the Turkish company to the Gabonese state is tainted by enormous kickbacks.
A source consulted by the editorial staff of Gabonactu.com maintains that Karpowership would receive approximately 10 billion FCFA each month payable by the Gabon Energy and Water Company (SEEG) in its capacity as reseller of the energy produced and the Gabonese state.
The arrival of Karpowership was to drive the company Aggreko, another private company which produces 105 MW of electricity, or more than half of the energy consumed in Libreville and its surroundings, out of the country for a total bill of around 6 billion of FCFA per month.
Feeling threatened by the arrival of Karpowership, Aggreko imposed a blackout in the Gabonese capital last August to get its unpaid bills paid. The Gabonese state, ridiculed by its people, was forced to go into debt with the banks to put an end to Aggreko’s type of blackmail established in the country since 2003.
It remains to be seen whether the suspension of the Karpowership project is not a simple struggle for influence between financial lobbies. Voices were raised last August to denounce the arrogance of Aggreko and the insolence of the Turkish project which could prove catastrophic for public finances and consumers.
« The solution for Gabon is to build its own power plants to escape dependence on private companies“, argued a former SEEG executive when Aggreko boasted last August of having imposed load shedding in Libreville to get paid urgently.
Carl Nsitou
2024-11-24 23:16:00
#Turkish #Karpowership #project #suspended #smell #fraud
**What potential implications could the investigation into the Karpowership project have on Gabon’s energy sector?**
**Interview on Gabon’s Suspension of the Karpowership Project**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today. To discuss the recent developments regarding Gabon’s electricity production project with Karpowership, we have invited energy expert Dr. Isabelle Mbeki. Dr. Mbeki, can you begin by explaining what led the Gabonese government to suspend this project?
**Dr. Mbeki**: Certainly. The decision to suspend the Karpowership project primarily stems from what the Gabonese authorities described as ”numerous inadequacies” in the project’s implementation. Following a high-level meeting headed by Arnaud Engandji, the Special Advisor to the President, concerns were raised about the viability of the project [[1](https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-africa/2024/10/28/gabon-s-ailing-power-utility-desperate-to-unplug-crippling-karpowership-contract,110332353-gra)]. This prompted the Directorate General of Energy (DGE) to initiate an investigation, which included the formation of a commission to examine the project.
**Interviewer**: What specific shortcomings have been identified so far?
**Dr. Mbeki**: The DGE has mentioned “numerous shortcomings,” but they have not yet detailed the specific issues. However, there are serious allegations about potential kickbacks associated with the contract, which has raised red flags about financial mismanagement and corruption [[1](https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-africa/2024/10/28/gabon-s-ailing-power-utility-desperate-to-unplug-crippling-karpowership-contract,110332353-gra)].
**Interviewer**: That’s quite serious. What can you tell us about the Karpowership project itself? What was its intended goal?
**Dr. Mbeki**: The Karpowership initiative was designed to be a flexible energy solution for Gabon through the deployment of floating power plants. These vessels are intended to generate electricity quickly and adapt to various fuel types and connection sites, which is crucial given Gabon’s growing energy demands [[1](https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-africa/2024/10/28/gabon-s-ailing-power-utility-desperate-to-unplug-crippling-karpowership-contract,110332353-gra)].
**Interviewer**: With the suspension in place, what are the next steps for the Gabonese government?
**Dr. Mbeki**: The government has prioritized the investigation into Karpowership’s operations. They’re seeking full cooperation from the company during this inquiry. This investigation will be pivotal as it will determine whether the project can be salvaged or if the government should seek alternatives to meet its energy needs [[1](https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-africa/2024/10/28/gabon-s-ailing-power-utility-desperate-to-unplug-crippling-karpowership-contract,110332353-gra)].
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Mbeki, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that this situation will continue to evolve, and we’ll be watching closely to see what unfolds in Gabon’s energy sector.
**Dr. Mbeki**: Thank you for having me. It’s an important issue, and I hope for a resolution that benefits the Gabonese people.