Approval received for 2400 MW hydroelectric PPP project in Zambia

The United Nations (UN) has given Zambia and Zimbabwe approval to build the 2400 MW Batoka Gorge hydroelectric scheme (BGHES) downstream from Victoria Falls.

The planned US$5 billion project is set to be situated at the Zambezi River, marking the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Spearheading the initiative is the Zambezi River Authority, with the African Development Bank (AfDB) serving as the primary organizer for project financing. Through a build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract model, a consortium comprising the Power Construction Corporation of China and US-based General Electric successfully secured the bid for developing the BGHES.

The project's scope involves constructing a roller compacted concrete gravity arch dam, measuring 175 m in height and 720 m in crest length, alongside a radial gated central crest spillway. Two surface power plants, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW, will be built on opposite riverbanks. The electricity generated will be equally divided between Zambia and Zimbabwe, with any surplus power supplied to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). Anticipated energy production stands at 10,215 GW hours annually.

In addition to the dam, the project encompasses the construction of four intakes connected to the power plants via 1 km tunnels downstream, a diversion tunnel, switchyards, transmission lines, accommodations for staff, and an office complex serving the authority and power utilities on both the Batoka north and Batoka south sides.