World news |
nearly three decades that the station is producing electricity. The 97-year-old facility, originally built in 1927, underwent a comprehensive overhaul costing more than $80 million. The recommissioning project replaced
all hydro generation and metal structural equipment, boosting the station’s installed capacity to 40MW with an annual power output of 186 million kWh – 30% more than its original output before it ceased operations in 1997 due to war damage. Work began in September 2023, and the first turbine was activated on 15 December 2024. James Wang, Vice President of Zijin Mining,
stated: “Recommissioning Mpiana-Mwanga hydroelectric power station as a brownfield renewable source of energy ensures the Manono mine, its processing facilities, and the local community can once again be a center for in- vestment and economic development. Having a reliable source of hydroelectric power will play a role in transforming this part of Congo.” The project, a joint venture between Zijin Mining and Cominiere, employed more than 300 workers over 15 months and created 100 new local jobs to support the ongoing operation. Additionally, a 90km road linking the power station to the town of Manono has been constructed, improving transportation and logistics in the region. Katamba Mining highlighted that the upgraded infrastructure would deliver long-term economic benefits to the community, enhancing access and promoting development. The hydroelectric power station’s recommissioning is also expected to support the clean energy goals of Manono Lithium, contributing to the global demand for renewable energy sources.
Nepal Upper Kabeli hydropower project reaches key construction milestones The Upper Kabeli hydropower project, a 28.1MW run-of-river hydropower initiative in Ta-plejung District, Nepal, has reached significant milestones in its development. The project team recently announced the completion of the first concrete pours at both the headworks and the powerhouse, marking the start of critical construction activities. Additionally, 1950m of the planned 5.6km headrace tunnel have been excavated since Chaitra 2080 (March-April 2024). Upper Kabeli is designed to generate 169.74GWh of energy annually by utilizing a design discharge of 17.29 m3
/s over a net head
of 183.05m. Located within an elevation range of 1,025m to 840m in Sinam, Shreejangha Rural Municipality, the project diverts water from the Kabeli River at Pauta through a 48m concrete weir and sediment exclusion systems. The water is then conveyed via a 4.995km-long headrace tunnel and 1.054km-long steel penstock pipe to a powerhouse equipped with two horizontal Francis turbine units. The generated electricity will be transmitted
to Nepal Electricity Authority’s (NEA) Amarpur substation via a 15km-long single-circuit 132 kV transmission line. The project has a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NEA, guaranteeing energy production for 30 years with an expected Required Commercial Operation Date (RCOD) of January 1, 2027. The project, with an estimated cost of NPR 5.64 billion, is being developed by Peace Energy Company Pvt. Ltd. (PECL). The company’s responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of hydropower development, including site identification, feasibility studies, design, construction, and operation. PECL also engages in policy advocacy, facilitates partnerships be-tween stakeholders, and undertakes community outreach to promote awareness about hydropower and renewable energy technologies.
Once operational, the Upper Kabeli
Hydropower Project will contribute significantly to Nepal’s renewable energy sector, supporting the country’s goals for sustainable development and reducing dependence on imported energy. It is expected to provide reliable electricity to the region while fostering economic growth and energy security.
Tajikistan AIIB approves $270 million loan for Rogun hydropower project The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved $270 million in financing for the first phase of a $500 million program to support the completion of the Rogun hydro-power plant in Tajikistan.
Once completed, Rogun is expected to have an installed capacity of 3780MW, providing electricity to approximately 10 million people in Tajikistan and addressing persistent winter power shortages. The project is cofinanced with the World Bank, with additional funding expected from a global consortium of donors. It aims to deliver clean, affordable, and climate-resilient hydroelectricity for Tajikistan and the wider Central Asia region. Energy demand in Central Asia is projected
to increase by 40% by 2030 and triple by 2050, necessitating the expansion of renewable energy sources. The project is designed to im-prove the reliability and lower the cost of electricity while addressing issues like winter blackouts that impact productivity and residents’ quality of life. “This project will significantly contribute to the
green energy transition and energy security of Central Asia,” said Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB Chief Investment Officer for the Public Sector. “Investing in sustainable energy infrastructure is not merely about meeting today’s demands, but about empowering future generations with clean, reliable power that drives transformative growth, strengthens resilience, and unlocks the full potential of the region. This project is a testament to AIIB’s unwavering commitment to Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow.”
6 | February 2025 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com Tajikistan has significant hydropower
potential, ranking eighth globally, but only about 4% of this potential is currently utilized. Rogun is expected to play a key role in decarbonizing electricity grids across Central Asia, supporting regional climate goals. It will also provide affordable renewable energy, improve energy storage, and integrate large-scale solar and wind power, creating a cleaner and more reliable electricity supply.
Brazil
Mascarenhas hydropower plant achieves gold certification for sustainability The Mascarenhas hydropower plant in Brazil has earned Gold certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), recognizing its alignment with international best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. The 198MW facility, which has been operational for over 50 years, is a key renewable energy source for Espírito Santo State. The certification follows the plant’s 2022 acquisition by VH Global Energy Infrastructure plc (ENRG), managed by Victory Hill Capital Partners LLP, in partnership with Paraty Energia, which now operates the plant. The new ownership aimed to bring the project in line with the HSS, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. “Victory Hill is incredibly proud of the
Mascarenhas Hydropower Plant’s achievement in se-curing the Gold certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard,” said Eleanor Fraser-Smith, Head of Sustainability at Victory Hill Capital Partners LLP. “This certification is a testament to Victory Hill and its partners’ commitment to not only invest in renewable energy but to ensure that these assets operate at the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.” The assessment highlighted the plant’s
strong environmental management programme, improved labour relations, and community engagement efforts. Joerg Hartmann, the as-sessment lead, noted: “The Mascarenhas power plant shows how even older projects operating in mature markets and regulatory frameworks can benefit from new ownership, a review of environmental and social management issues, and commitments that reflect modern best practices.” Key improvements under Paraty Energia’s management include strengthening community outreach, addressing land ownership issues around the reservoir, and initiatives to enhance aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Hartmann added: “It is remarkable what a motivated owner can do with an older project.” The certification underscores the role of financial institutions in advancing sustainable energy practices. “The Mascarenhas project demonstrates that financial institutions can and should play a crucial role in driving the energy transition, and that sustainable operations can
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45
