Energy Sector
Cameroons major source of Energy includes Hydro Power and Hydro Carbon.
Other sources of energy include thermal power plants, gas-fired power plants, and renewable energies, especially solar panels, whose development is very much needed in rural communities.
The supply of energy is a key factor in the industrialization of every economy. With the Industrialization of the Economy being the central focus in Cameroon’s Emergence Plan; many projects of hydro electric dams have been launched to improve energy supply across the country.
With an Electricity Access Rate of 65%, Cameroon is currently ranked amongst African nations with highest electricity access rates.
The MEMVE'ELE Hydroelectric Dam
This project on the Ntem River was launched in 2012 by President Paul Biya. Located 300 kilometers from the capital, Yaounde. The dam was built at an estimated cost 420 billion CFA francs (640.28 million euros) has an electricity generating capacity of 211 MW, which improves the energy supply in Cameroon.
The project is located near the Nyabisan village and covers the districts of Maan and Campo in the divisions of the Ntem Valley and the Ocean (South Cameroon region).
This border zone with Gabon and Equatorial Guinea is therefore conducive for electricity exports as part of the economic integration between the countries of the CEMAC sub region.
The Nachtigal Hydroelectric Dam Project
Valued at (1.06 billion euros) with a capacity of 420 MW, the Nachtigal hydroelectric dam construction project is a priority in Cameroon’s industrial policy. This project is aimed at providing stable power supply for Companies seeking to invest or expand their operations in Cameroon especially in the 5 Divisions of the Centre Region namely, Mfoundi (Yaoundé), Haute Sanaga, Mbam-and-Kim, Lékié and Mefou-and-Afamba divisions.
The Nachtigal dam project is located on the Sanaga, at the Nachtigal upstream Falls, 65 km from the capital, Yaounde, in the Centre region.
Lom Pangar Hydro-Electric Dam
The Lom Pangar dam was constructed between 2012 and 2016 the dam is located 117 kilometers from Bertoua, chief town of the Eastern Region, located more than 300 kilometers from the capital, Yaounde. This energy infrastructure provides for a foot plant capable of producing 30 MW of electricity for the benefit of businesses and households located in the East and parts of the South Regions.
Solar Power Plants
In September 2023, Cameroons Minister Of Energy inaugurated two photovoltaic solar power plants as part of a 5-day mission to the North. The two 30 MW solar power plants are located in Maroua, capital of the Far North region, and Guider, in the North region.
These are the largest solar photovoltaic power plants in Cameroon. Their aim is to “absorb the energy deficit in the interconnected network of the North… formerly subject to drastic drops in production from the Lagdo Dam…”, according to the Ministry. This project provides stable power supply for households and businesses in the Far North and Northern regions of Cameroon.