Ngoulmendjim Hydrolectric Power Station Explained

Ngoulmendjim Dam
Dam Crosses:Komo River
Location:Ngoulmendjim, Estuaire Province, Gabon
Dam Type:Gravity dam
Construction Began:2023 Expected
Opening:2028 Expected
Cost:€300 Million
Plant Turbines:Pelton

3 x 27.35 MW

Plant Capacity:82MW
Plant Annual Gen:~500 GWh
Location Map:Gabon#Africa#World
Location Map Caption:Location of Ngoulmendjim Dam
Placement on map is approximate
Coordinates:0.1803°N 10.1481°W

The Ngoulmendjim Power Station is a planned hydroelectric power station across the Komo River in Gabon. The power station is under development, by a consortium comprising the French conglomerate Eranove Group and Gabonese Fund for Strategic Investments (FGIS). As of November 2021, the development was in the "financial mobilization phase".[1]

Location

The power station would be located astride the Komo River, in Estuaire Province, about 125km (78miles) southeast of the capital city of Libreville.[1]

Overview

Libreville, the capital city of Gabon, is home to approximately half of the country's population. As of 2018, 15-20 megawatts of new annual generation capacity, were required to keep up with new demand in Libreville alone. Ngoulmendjim HPP, is intended to address this need.[2]

The dam will have a crest width of 635m (2,083feet) with maximum height of 38.5m (126.3feet). This will form a reservoir with surface area in excess of 30km2. Three Pelton turbines will be installed and are expected to generate 82 megawatts of electricity. The energy will be transmitted from the power station via a new 225kV transmission line, measuring 135km (84miles) long, to a location where the electricity will enter the national grid. A 30-year power purchase agreement has been executed between the Government of Gabon and the power station developers.[1] [2]

Ownership

The developers of this power station, have formed a special purpose vehicle company called Asokh Energy, that will own, design, develop, operate and maintain this HPP. The table below, illustrates the shareholding in Asokh Energy.[1] [2]

Rank !!Name of Owner!!Percentage Ownership
1Eranove Group60.0
2Gabon Power Company 40.0
Total100.0

Note: Gabon Power Company (GPC) is a subsidiary of Gabonese Fund for Strategic Investments (FGIS).[1]

Construction costs

The construction budget is reported as €300 million. The developer/owners have selected the African Development Bank as the lead arranger of a syndicated loan. The British financial house Standard Chartered Bank was selected to structure the loan.[1]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gabon: Eranove and FGIS to raise €300 million for the Ngoulmendjim hydropower project . Afrik21.africa . 26 November 2021 . Jean Marie Takouleu . 28 November 2021 . Paris, France.
  2. Web site: 8 October 2018 . EPC contractor sought for Ngoulmendjim storage project, Gabon . The International Journal On Hydropower & Dams . Hydropower & Dams . 28 November 2021 . Wallington, Surrey, United Kingdom.