The Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant project, built by Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) in Gakenke in Northern Province of Rwanda, successfully completed river closure on July 10, marking the start of the main construction of the hydropower plant.
The Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant project, built by Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) in Gakenke in Northern Province of Rwanda, successfully completes river closure on July 10, marking the start of the main construction of the hydropower plant. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant is located on the main stream of the Nyabarongo River at the junction of the Northern and Southern provinces of Rwanda. The dam site is about 20.5km from the country's capital Kigali. As a large-scale comprehensive hydropower project, the project involves construction of a dam, flood discharge system, water diversion and power generation system, as well as power transmission and transformation lines. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 803.8 million cubic meters, and the installed capacity of the power plant is 43.5 megawatts.
The successful river closure demonstrates the efficient performance and social responsibility of Chinese hydropower companies, establishing a positive brand image with concrete action.
The project is expected to play a crucial role in reducing the losses of life and property caused by floods in the downstream, improving irrigation conditions, turning swamps into fertile fields. It is also of significance in controlling soil erosion.
The river closure also provides a safe and stable working environment for subsequent construction activities such as drainage and dredging, vibrating gravel piles, dam filling, and the eventual installation of power generation units.
It will have a positive impact on promoting local economic development and facilitating employment in the future.
The Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant project, built by Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) in Gakenke in Northern Province of Rwanda, successfully completes river closure on July 10, marking the start of the main construction of the hydropower plant. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
This project is the largest project supported by the Chinese government and funded by Chinese financial institutions in Rwanda, and one of the key projects of the "Eight Major Action Plans" of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
The project will be the largest power station in Rwanda once put into operation, with an output of 280 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. It will greatly alleviate the country's power shortage and reduce its dependence on non-renewable energy power generation. Moreover, it will create about 2,000 job opportunities for local people during its construction, helping the development of industrial and tertiary sectors, and enhancing the well-being of the Rwandan people.
(Executive editor: Xie Yunxiao)
