The Mekin Hydroelectric Power Station, also referred to as Mekin Power Station, is a 15 MW (20,000 hp) hydroelectric power station, in Cameroon. This power station has been under construction since early 2010s, with initial commissioning planned for 2015. However, the project has been beset by multiple delays, plant shutdowns and restarts. The power station was partially re-started in June 2022 to allow the generation and evacuation of 11.25 MW of electricity, comprising 75 percent of maximum capacity. When current production testing is concluded, it is expected that the final unit will be brought online during the fourth quarter of 2022.[1]
| Mekin Hydroelectric Power Station | |
|---|---|
  Map of Cameroon showing the location of Mekin HPP. | |
| Country | Cameroon |
| Location | Mekin, Dja and Lobo Department, South Region (Cameroon) |
| Coordinates | 03°15′34″N 12°25′17″E / 3.25944°N 12.42139°E |
| Purpose | Power |
| Status | Under construction |
| Construction cost | €52.5 million |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Dja River |
| Reservoir | |
| Normal elevation | 611 m (2,005 ft) |
| Operator(s) | HydroMekin |
| Commission date | Q4 2022 Expected |
| Turbines | 4 x 3.75 MW |
| Installed capacity | 15 MW (20,000 hp) |
| Annual generation | ~100 GWh |
This renewable energy infrastructure project is under development by Mekin Hydroelectric Development Corporation (Hydro Mekin also HydroMekin), a Cameroonian independent power producer (IPP). The energy off-taker is ENEO Cameroon S.A., the public-private partnership electricity utility company. The electricity is intended for distribution primarily, in the Dja and Lobo Department of the South Region of Cameroon, where the power station is located.[2]
Location
editThe power station straddles the Dja River, immediately downstream of its confluence with the Lobo River, in Mekin Village, in the Dja and Lobo Department of the South Region of Cameroon. Mekin is located approximately 75 kilometres (47 mi), northeast of the town of Sangmélima, the departmental headquarters.[3] This is approximately 194 kilometres (121 mi) southeast of Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon.[4] The geographical coordinates of Mekin Hydroelectric Power Station are:3°15'34.0"N, 12°25'17.0"E (Latitude:3.259444; Longitude:12.421389).[5]
Overview
editThe design calls for a rock-fill dam with four generation turbines, each rated at 3.75 MW for total generation capacity of 15 MW. The energy leaves the generation turbines at 63kV. At the substation outside the power station, the energy is stepped up to 110kV. It is then transmitted via overhead high voltage transmission cables to an ENEO substation at Ndjom Yekomo. There the energy is stepped down to 30kV and then entered into the ENEO grid for distribution.[6]
Construction and funding
editThe engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor is China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC). The initial budget was CFA 25 billion(approx. €40 million), with Exim Bank of China lending 85 percent and the government of Cameroon contributing 15 percent.[2] As of June 2022, with multiple cost overruns, at least €52.5 million has been spent on construction.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Jean Marie Takouleu (1 July 2022). "Cameroon: The Mekin hydroelectric power station partially restarts operation". Afrik21.africa. Paris, France. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
- ^ a b Business in Cameroon (29 May 2022). "Mekin Dam resumes operations after a 2-year shutdown". Business In Cameroon. Yaounde, Cameroon. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
{{cite web}}:|author=has generic name (help) - ^ "Road Distance Between Mekin, Cameroon And Sangmélima, Cameroon" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
- ^ "Road Distance Between Mekin, Cameroon And Yaoundé, Cameroon" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
- ^ "Location of Mekin Hydroelectric Power Station" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
- ^ Babalwa Bungane (28 February 2018). "Cameroon on course with 15MW hydroelectrical power dam". ESI-Africa. Cape Town, South Africa. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
External links
edit- Cameroon: Memve’éle and Mekin Dams to start operating in 2020 As of 24 April 2019.