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Director of Development and Investment (EMEA), and Emmanuelle Chevennement, EDF’s Assets Development Director for Europe and Central Asia. It was witnessed by H.E. Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sharif Al Olama, UAE Under-Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and Luc Remont, Chairman and CEO of EDF. This venture marks Masdar’s inaugural foray
into the hydropower sector, augmenting its diverse clean energy portfolio that spans solar, wind, geothermal, and green hydrogen. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President, and Masdar Chairman, emphasized the global imperative to leverage all available clean energy sources to limit temperature rises to 1.5°C: “Hydropower is one of the oldest clean energy sources and has many positive attributes that can help a number of countries around the world achieve their climate goals and meet their net-zero targets,” he said. H.E. Taalaibek Ibraev, Minister of Energy of the
Kyrgyz Republic, added: “This agreement serves to further strengthen the existing ties between the Kyrgyz Republic, the UAE and France. Hydropower is a very important energy source for the Kyrgyz Republic and this agreement will help our nation to strengthen its existing clean energy supply and to develop projects utilizing other renewable energy sources.”
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, hailed the agreement as a pivotal chapter in their clean energy journey: “With over 17 years of pioneering renewable energy technologies and successfully delivering utility-scale clean energy projects, we are glad to have the opportunity to bring the energy, passion and focus to hydropower that we have utilized for so many other renewable energy sources as we seek, in partnership with EDF, to build a successful collaboration with the Kyrgyz Republic, deepening the strong relationship between the UAE and the Kyrgyz Republic.”
Ecuador
Major rehabilitation commences on Toachi-Alluriquín tunnel The Electric Corporation of Ecuador (CELEC EP) has initiated crucial repair work on the Toachi-Alluriquín headrace tunnel, a pivotal component of the Toachi Pilatón hydroelectric project. This project, a key aspect of Ecuador’s new hydroelectric generation complex, is slated to contribute 254.4MW of power to the National Interconnected System (SNI). To expedite the completion of civil and complementary works integral to the hydroelectric project, the CELEC EP Hidrotoapi Operational Unit has entered into a contract with the US Army Corps of Engineers. The targeted repair zone within the tunnel spans a 10m section at kilometer 6 + 114. Here, the restoration efforts involve addressing fractured lining, removing compromised concrete, and
reinstating affected reinforcing steel. Concrete injections will be executed to consolidate the coating, ensuring the stability of the rock mass in the afflicted areas. In strategic locations along the tunnel, one-way valves will be installed, facilitating controlled drainage to prevent excessive pressures on the tunnel structure as the repair progresses. The rehabilitated tunnel is designed to transport water from the Toachi dam to the powerhouse of the 204MW Alluriquín Power Plant. Constructed with reinforced concrete boasting a resistance of 350 kg/cm2, the tunnel spans 8.7km, featuring an internal diameter of 5.6m and a thickness of 35cm. Upon the successful repair of the tunnel and subsequent filling of the Toachi dam reservoir, the hydroelectric project’s hydraulic circuit will be finalized. Coupled with the installation of electromechanical equipment, this ensures the seamless operation of the entire hydroelectric complex, encompassing the already operational 49MW Sarpullo plant (since March of this year), the Alluriquín plant (204MW), and a mini-plant at the dam’s base (1.4MW). Collectively, these elements contribute to a total installed power of 254.4MW. The comprehensive agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers extends beyond tunnel repairs, encompassing initiatives to enhance dam waterproofing on the Toachi River and address issues such as the repair of the balance chimney. Anticipated to generate 92 gigawatt-hours (GWh) monthly, this hydroelectric project is poised to provide clean electricity to over 670 thousand homes, each consuming an average of 138 KWh per month. This service is expected to commence in the last quarter of 2024.
Nepal Flovel commissions Upper Suri Khola project
Flovel has announced the successful commissioning of the Upper Suri Khola Hydropower Project in Gaurishankar, Dolakha, Nepal. The 2 x 3.5MW project was commissioned and synchronized to the grid on November 25, 2023, and has now been officially handed over to the client, Makar Jitumaya Suri Hydropower Ltd, for commercial operation. The scope of work for the project included the design, manufacturing, and supply of Horizontal Pelton Turbine, MIV (Main Inlet Valve), Generator, Digital Governor, complete E-BOP (Electrical Balance of Plant) & M-BOP (Mechanical Balance of Plant) equipment on a water-to-wire basis. Flovel also provided supervision services for the erection, testing, and commissioning processes. This marks another successful collaboration between Flovel and Makar Jitumaya Suri Hydropower Ltd, based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Flovel had previously worked on three other projects with the same client, including the
commissioning of the Suri Khola (2 x 3.2MW + 10% COL) in April 2022. Currently, two other projects, namely Sagu Khola 1 (2 x 2.75MW + 10% COL) and Sagu Khola (3 x 6.67MW + 10% COL), are at various stages of execution.
Swaziland
Studio Pietrangeli to provide technical advisory services for Eswatini’s Maguga hydro projects The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) has enlisted the expertise of Studio Pietrangeli for Technical Assistance Advisory Consultancy Services in the development and construction of the Maguga Hydropower Projects. This initiative encompasses the expansion of the Maguga Hydropower Project by 30MW, the establishment of the new Lower Maguga Scheme generating 23MW, and the implementation of a new Mini-Hydro project with a capacity of 1.2MW. The Maguga Hydropower Expansion
Project is slated to involve the construction of a reinforced concrete surface powerhouse. This facility will be outfitted with cutting-edge generating equipment, a dewatering bay, and associated infrastructure. Plans also include extending the existing switchyard and installing a new transformer to enhance the overall efficiency of the power generation process. The Lower Maguduza Hydro Power Station (LMHPS) is strategically positioned along the Lusutfu River near Sidvokodvo. The commencement of construction is expected in the first quarter of 2024, with the inaugural unit from the plant anticipated to be commissioned by the last quarter of 2026. The construction scope of LMHPS encompasses a diversion weir, a 2km 66kV transmission line, a foot bridge, and upgrades to the substation.
Scotland
Application submitted for Loch Kemp pumped storage scheme A planning application has been officially submitted for the Loch Kemp Pumped Storage Hydro Scheme, situated near Whitebridge in Inverness, Scotland. The proposed project, unveiled by Statera
Energy two years ago during public exhibitions in November and December 2021, is designed to provide a substantial economic boost. If approved, the construction of the hydro scheme is expected to inject £30 million into the Highland economy and an additional £57 million into the broader Scottish economy. The project is also set to create up to 25 high-quality, long-term jobs. Located on the south side of Loch Ness, at
Whitebridge, northeast of Fort Augustus, the scheme intends to build and operate a new 600MW pumped storage system. The upper storage reservoir would utilize the existing Loch Kemp, while Loch Ness would serve as the lower reservoir.
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