Owendo Mineral Port (OMP) and British International Investment (BII) accelerate port’s energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions with new solar energy system

Owendo Mineral Port (OMP), part of the pan-African group Arise Ports & Logistics, and British International Investment (BII), UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, announce a significant commitment to sustainable development with an investment of 2.6 million USD. The funds will be dedicated to the implementation of a 1.56 MWp solar system and a 1 MW battery energy storage system. This project, aligned with BII’s vision of achieving a net zero emissions portfolio by 2050, represents a concrete step towards solving the climate challenge.

The anticipated environmental benefits are major, with an estimated reduction of more than 1,700 tons of CO2 per year, while optimizing port operating costs. This solar energy investment is part of OMP’s wider sustainability strategy to develop a world-class low-emission port in Africa. The solar installation is just the beginning, with OMP also expressing an interest in the future electrification of its mechanical equipment and transport vehicles, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Towards solar power in Gabon: an innovative approach
Although half of Gabon’s electricity is generated by renewable sources, its penetration of photovoltaic solar energy is low. OMP’s project is part of a wider perspective, contributing to the establishment of a commercial and industrial solar energy balance in the country.

Meeting growing energy demand
Analysis of energy demand at the site – estimated at around 7730 MWh – points to a steady increase due to the growing volume of materials processed. In this context, the installation of a solar energy and battery storage system on the workshop roofs is an effective solution. The 6 available roofs will enable the installation of around 1.56 MWp of solar panels, generating around 1,800 MWh of electricity.

BII facilitates climate action
BII’s financing, combined with a Resource Efficiency Program (REP) energy audit, demonstrates a concrete dedication to climate action. This loan accelerates energy efficiency at the port. The energy audit identified captive solar power as an essential solution for improving performance and environmental impact. This project reinforces OMP’s ongoing commitment to sustainable operating practices and the move towards a low-emission economy.

Geoffrey Manley, Director and Head of Energy Access and Efficiency, at BII commented: “Improving resource efficiency is part of the important work in mitigating the impacts of climate change, and ports are a particularly hard-to-decarbonise sector. BII has invested in OMP since 2018, and we are glad to have identified this value-add opportunity with OMP to help address climate challenges. This is in line with BII’s ambition to achieve a net zero portfolio by 2050 and support decarbonization efforts for our portfolio companies.”

Ebrima Sawaneh, COO & CFO, Arise Ports & Logistics, said: “This solar energy initiative marks a crucial step in our commitment to a sustainable future. We firmly believe that investments in eco-responsible solutions are essential to preserve our environment and enhance the port’s operational efficiency. It is an honor for OMP to actively contribute to Gabon’s energy transition.”

Paul-Dany Menga Bekale, Director in charge of Public Relations for Arise Ports & Logistics in Gabon, stated: “This strategic investment in solar energy reaffirms our commitment to pioneering sustainable practices within the port industry. By embracing innovative solutions, we not only address the immediate environmental concerns but also set a precedent for future advancements. Arise Ports & Logistics is proud to contribute to the realization of a greener and more sustainable future for the maritime sector in Gabon.”

About OMP:
Owendo Mineral Port (OMP), part of the pan-African group Arise Ports & Logistics, is located in the Barracuda Zone of the town of Owendo, 21 kilometers from the capital of Libreville. The port spreads over 55 hectares of land partly reclaimed, directly linking the main rail line to Franceville at 646 km inland. As an independent operator serving all mining operators, the port has become a critical nexus point for minerals trade activity in the region, with integrated transport solutions connecting the nation’s mines to port infrastructure. OMP significantly strengthens local import-export capacities and provides shipping and industrial clients with modern, interconnected infrastructure. OMP handles a throughput of more than 6 million tons of cargoes per year. OMP shareholders are Arise Ports & Logistics, Meridiam and Government of Gabon through Caisse des Dépôts et de Consignations du Gabon.

About BII:
· British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.
· British International Investment is a trusted investment partner to businesses in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
· It invests to support the UK Government’s Clean Green Initiative and to create productive, sustainable and inclusive economies in our markets.
· Between 2022-2026, at least 30 percent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance.
· BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $16 billion to empower women’s economic development.
· The company has investments in over 1,470 businesses across 65 countries and total assets of £8.1 billion.
· For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here.
· Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn and X.