Largest hydropower dam in Cote d'Ivoire pumps power through the nation

The third and final generator unit of Soubre hydro, a hydropower dam built by POWERCHINA, began generating electricity for a trial operation on Oct 25, about six months ahead of schedule.

It marked the full completion of Soubre hydroelectric power station, the largest of its kind in Cote d'Ivoire, as the unit 1 and 2 began generating electricity in May and August this year, eight and six months in advance respectively.

The 4.5-km-long hydropower dam at Naoua Falls on the Sassandra River, with an installed capacity of 275 megawatts (MW), is not only expected to increase hydropower's role as an energy source for Cote d'Ivoire but it will also supply locals with green and low-cost electric power, strengthen electricity safety, and boost economic and social development for the country.

Beginning in 2013 and lasting 56.5 months, the construction of the power dam was undertaken by Sinohydro Bureau 5 Co, a subsidiary of POWERCHINA. Providing an annual energy output of 1,190 GW, the national key project of Cote d'Ivoire cost the country a staggering $571.98 million.

The half-a-billion-dollar cost proved worthwhile, as the project gained attention and satisfaction from government officials of Cote d'Ivoire who were very pleased with the quality and speed of the dam's construction. During the construction period, the hydropower dam received visitors from Cote d'Ivoire's local government leaders, such as President Alassane Ouattara who attended the groundbreaking ceremony on Feb 25, 2013. Cote d'Ivoire Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly attended the recent celebration marking the start of electricity generation by the power station's first unit on June 30.

Besides the country's pleased leaders, the hydropower station also welcomed a number of inspection teams during its construction, including Cote d'Ivoire's former Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan in 2014 and 2016, a delegation of the country's ministries and commissions in 2015, and an inspection team of Cote d'Ivoire power companies and government departments in 2016, all of whom praised the project's quality, security, speed and management.

By successfully tackling the responsibilities of this massive project, POWERCHINA has displayed a full-range of capabilities, from planning, engineering and construction to installation, debugging and operation. Lending its hand to projects outside of China, like the Soubre hydroelectric power station, further demonstrates how serious POWERCHINA's efforts are to fulfill China's "Go Globally" strategy and "Belt and Road Initiative".

Soubre hydropower dam is the largest of its kind in Cote d'Ivoire, providing an annual energy output of 1,190 GW for the people. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]