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The Singrobo-Ahouaty hydroelectric power project involves the design, development, operation and transfer of a 44-megawatt hydroelectric plant and a 3.5-kilometre transmission line as well as a substation to evacuate the power generated onto an existing transmission line.

The project is located on the Bandama River, 150 kilometres from Abidjan, and will connecting the surrounding villages of Singrobo, Ahouaty, Ahénémou 2, Pacobo, and N’Dènouto to the national grid. It is being developed by Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Themis and local sponsor Ivoire Hydro Energy (IHE).

The total project cost is reported to be €174.3 million. The African Development Bank has approved a funding package of €40 million, with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the German Investment Corporation (DEG), and the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) providing additional funding.

The project is being undertaken as a design-build project on which French company, Eiffage, is the construction contractor, working in conjunction with Eiffage Energie Systèmes. STPH - HWP Group is in charge of installing all the hydromechanical equipment, and General Electric (GE), is in charge of all the electromechanical equipment. 

Construction works on the project is in being undertaken in two phases:

1. Primary installation of the main dam, water intake structure, spillway, power plant, and a tailrace channel.
2. Related infrastructure comprising transmission lines and the interconnection substation.

Themis, a member of the developer consortium, conducted an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study by taking a lead role in biodiversity conservation and overseeing the implementation of a Resettlement Action Plan. They have also conducted studies to ensure that the project adheres to the African Development Bank Operational Safeguards and IFC Performance Standards requirements.

“The Singrobo-Ahouaty power plant will leverage the huge potential in Côte d’Ivoire to provide clean energy from hydropower. Despite the current global challenges induced by the Covid-19 pandemic and supply chain-related cost escalation, the project reflects the bank’s resilience and leadership in the African energy marketplace in guiding it to financial close,” said AfDB Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulations, Wale Shonibare.

Andreas Cremer, DEG Head of Infrastructure and Energy, Africa and Latin America, said, “As a development finance institution, DEG is proud to be part of the financing consortium for Côte d’Ivoire’s first hydro-independent power producer and to support the country’s path towards more climate-friendly green energy production. The financing fits well into DEG’s business strategy with its focus on climate and impact”. 

The Singrobo-Ahouaty hydroelectric power project aligns with the Ivorian government’s plan to increase electricity access in the country to 100% by 2025. The project will help reduce the use of thermal power plants during peak periods and reduce pollution and cost. It is also expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 109,561 tons, and help diversify the energy mix, thus helping the government’s ambition of generating 40% of electricity through renewable sources by 2030. 

Top Photo: Feature image of the Singrobo-Ahouaty Hydroelectric Power Project (neothemis.com)