Souapiti hydropower plant in Guinea commissions first power unit

The Souapiti hydropower complex in Guinea, constructed by China International Water & Electric Corp. (CWE), a subsidiary of China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG), recently connected ts first power unit to grid for power generation.

The Souapiti project, in which CEW is also an investor, is expected to help ease the shortage of electricity supply in Guinea as well as supply electricity to neighboring countries.

Guinea, the origin of the three major rivers in West Africa, namely Niger River,Senegal River and Gambia Rive, boasts abundant hydraulic resources. Souapiti hydropower complex is the second cascade hydropower plant under Guinea's Konkoure River hydropower project.

Souapiti hydropower complex has a maximum dam height of 120 meters, a normal water storage capacity of 6.3 billion cubic meters, and a total installed capacity of 450 MW, all ranking first in West Africa.

It will not only ensure electricity supply in Guinea, but also play a role in storing and replenishing water in different seasons, regulating the natural runoff of the Konkoure River, and thus enhancing the operation efficiency of the Kaleta hydropower plant downstream.

As Kaleta and Souapiti hydropower plants complete the construction, the power supply shortage in Guinea is being eased. The image of Kaleta hydropower plant is printed on Guinea's largest denomination banknotes. "For many years, we long for the electricity to keep lights on at home," said one of the local employees of CWE working for the Kaleta hydropower project. "I am happy to contribute to the development of Guinea."

Many local people were employed to work at Souapiti hydropower complex over the past four years since the construction commenced. "We enjoy a secure income by working here and our lives have got much better," said another local employee, who lived in the special campsite for the project.

The campsite is furnished with a whole set of living facilities attached to a standard football field. As his finance improved, he helped his family move to a new place near the campsite.

Alpha Condé, president of Guinea said the completion of the Souapiti Hydropower Complex will drive the industrialization of country and that Guinea expects to establish itself as the most electrified country in Africa within five years. Currently, Guinea is capable of supplying electricity to the member countries of the Gambia River Basin Development Organization and those of the Senegal River Basin Development Organization. The completion of Souapiti hydropower complex will make Guinea a major power exporter in West Africa, spurring the development of the West Africa energy network.