Cameroon’s quest for enhanced energy production took a significant stride as the Nachtigal Dam, a monumental hydroelectric project, injected its initial 60 megawatts (MW) into the Southern Interconnected Grid (RIS) on May 10, 2024. This momentous occasion was marked by the presence of the Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, along with other dignitaries.
The Nachtigal project, situated in the central region of the country, stands as a beacon of Cameroon’s commitment to bolstering its energy infrastructure.
Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba highlighted the strategic significance of this endeavor, emphasizing its pivotal role in ameliorating the current electricity distribution challenges prevalent across the nation.
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With a total investment exceeding CFA 786 billion, the Nachtigal Dam is poised to revolutionize Cameroon’s energy landscape, boasting a projected capacity of 420 MW upon completion.
Minister Eloundou Essomba outlined the ambitious timeline for the project, noting that the commissioning of the remaining units will occur progressively, with one 60 MW unit being integrated into the grid each month. This meticulous approach aims to achieve full commercial operation of the plant by December 2024.
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The significance of Nachtigal extends beyond the borders of Cameroon, positioning the nation as a trailblazer in electricity export within the Central African region. Through the Cameroon-Chad Electricity Grid Interconnection Project (Pirect), Cameroon is slated to supply 100 MW of electricity to Chad by 2027, further solidifying its role as a regional energy powerhouse.
Despite encountering delays in the project timeline, attributed to rigorous testing procedures to ensure the reliability and longevity of the infrastructure, the overarching objective remains steadfast—to deliver a sustainable energy solution that will serve the nation for generations to come.
Upon its full operational capacity, Nachtigal is projected to fulfill 30% of the electricity consumption needs of the Southern Interconnected Grid, a significant contribution considering Cameroon’s aspirations to increase its installed capacity to 5,000 MW by 2030.
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Nachtigal Hydro Power Company (Nhpc), the entity spearheading this transformative initiative, epitomizes the collaborative effort between domestic and international stakeholders, including EDF, SFI, Africa 50, and Stoa, in realizing Cameroon’s energy ambitions.
As the first 60 MW flow into the grid, Cameroon embarks on a new era of energy self-sufficiency and regional leadership, propelled by the monumental strides of the Nachtigal Dam. This landmark achievement underscores Cameroon’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and economic prosperity through energy innovation.
Image Source: MINEE