Kabu 16 Hydroelectric Power Station is a 20 megawatts (27,000 hp) hydroelectric power station in Burundi. It was developed by the government of Burundi, with funding from the Exim Bank of India. Construction began in March 2019 and was completed in October 2024. It was formerly opened on October 25, 2024.[1][2][3]
| Kabu 16 Hydroelectric Power Station | |
|---|---|
  Map of Burundi showing the location of Kabu 16 Hydroelectric Power Station.  Kabu 16 Hydroelectric Power Station (Africa) .svg) Kabu 16 Hydroelectric Power Station (Earth) | |
| Country | Burundi |
| Location | Cibitoke Province |
| Coordinates | 02°55′30″S 29°15′45″E / 2.92500°S 29.26250°E |
| Purpose | Power |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | March 2019 |
| Opening date | 25 October 2024 |
| Owner(s) | Government of Burundi |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Kaburantwa River |
| Type | Francis |
| Turbines | 2 x 10MW |
| Installed capacity | 20 megawatts (27,000 hp) |
| Annual generation | 117.7 gigawatt-hours (424 TJ) |
Location
editThe power station is located across the Kaburantwa River, a tributary of the Ruzizi River. The power station is approximately 16 kilometres (10 mi) upstream of where the two rivers merge.[1]
This location is in Cibitoke Province, in the northwest of the country, approximately 28 kilometres (17 mi), southeast of the town of Cibitoke, the provincial capital.[4]
Overview
editThe engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract was awarded to Angelique International Limited of India. The development involves the construction of a concrete and rock-fill dam, with a hydraulic head (water drop) of 191 metres (627 ft).[1] WAPCOS Ltd. (A Govt. of India Undertaking) is Project Management Consultant for Kabu-16 HEP and monitored the project for good quality and timely completion. Two vertical Francis turbines, each rated at 10 megawatts were supplied by Voith, the German industrial machinery manufacturer. Other infrastructure installed include the construction of staff housing for the construction workers, an electric switchyard, electricity transmission lines and access roads to the site.[1][2][5]
Funding
editThe power station was funded by the Government of India, with money borrowed from the Export-Import Bank of India.[2]
Operations and benefits
editThe power station was handed over to REGIDESO, the Burundian state-owned electric utility monopoly company, responsible for generation, transmission and distribution; and who will be operating it.[6]
The power station supplies 177.7GWh of green energy into the Burundi grid, increasing available power for national economic expansion and job creation.[1]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b c d e HydroReview (18 June 2019). "Update on progress of 20-MW Kabu 16 small hydropower in Burundi". HydroReview.com. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
- ^ a b c Jean Marie Takouleu (13 June 2019). "Burundi: German Voith Hydro will furnish Kabu 16 hydroelectric power plant". Afrik21.africa. Paris, France. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
- ^ Le Renouveau (25 October 2024). "Province de Cibitoke: Inauguration du Barrage hydroélectrique Kabu-16 par le chef de l'Etat". lerenouveau.bi. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
- ^ "Approximate Road Distance Between Cibitoke City, Burundi And Kabu 16 Hydroelectric Power Station, Burundi" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
- ^ Bryan Groenendaal (18 June 2021). "Voith Wins 20MW Kabu 16 Hydroelectric Project In Burundi". Green Buildings Africa. South Africa. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
- ^ Julien Barba (5 January 2018). "The electricity sector in Burundi: a place for renewable energy in the great lakes region?" (Julien Barba is affiliated with Clyde & Company LLP). Lexology.com. London, United Kingdom. Retrieved 14 September 2021.