CTG-built Kaleta Hydropower Dam in Guinea wins China's top construction award

Kaleta Hydropower Station, built by China International Water and Electric Corporation (CWE), a subsidiary of China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG), was honored with the Luban Prize, China's top architectural and engineering award, in the overseas project category on February 14, according to a list unveiled by China Construction Industry Association.

Known as the West Africa's Three Gorges Project, the 235-megawatt Kaleta Hydropower Station was put into full operation in August, 2015, bringing an end to the chronic electricity shortages in Guinea, boosting its economy and job creation. 

The image of the project was featured in the new 20,000-franc banknotes issued by the Guinean central bank in 2015 and 2019 respectively.

CTG brought 51% of the stake in Kaleta Hydropower Station on November 2, 2016. The Kaleta project was built in full accordance with China's hydropower technology specifications, with 90% of the mechanical equipment sourced from China. As of January 31, 2019, Kaleta Hydropower Station has generated a total of 2.7 billion kilowatt of electricity since its inception.

CTG has also partnered with Guinean government in investing and building the 450-megawatt Souapiti hydropower dam in the Konkoure River, which is twice the installed capacity of Kaleta.