World’s Biggest Hydro Power Project
The World Bank has approved a $73.1 million grant for the massive and controversial $80 billion—by conservative estimates–Grand Inga’s first stage in a project that has so far spanned five decades to tap the Congo River’s massive energy potential. The Grand Inga has the potential to supply energy to half of Africa’s 1 billion people–only 40 percent of whom have electricity today. The Grand Inga is expected to provide 40,000 MW of electricity—twice that of the world’s current largest hydroelectric project, China’s Three Gorges Dam.
In addition to the World Bank’s grant, the African Development Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) approved $33.4 million last year. These funds will go towards establishing a legal framework and state authority to oversee the construction of the first stage of the project and operations in the infamously politically volatile and corrupt nation.
China Africa develops mine, 300MW power plant
CHINA Africa Sunlight Energy says it will complete its coal mine and a 300 megawatt power station at its concessions in Gwayi, Matabeleland North by 2016, creating over 4,500 jobs.
Addressing delegates at a Parliament seminar on Thursday, the company’s deputy general manager Charles Mugari said as part of the first phase of the project, the company will build a modern residential complex for 2,000 workers, a coal mine and power plant.
“By 2016 we hope that the mine will be up and running,” he said, adding that the company was converting its special grant to a special mining right.
He said second phase of the power project will focus on methane gas extraction and another 300MW plant to be completed in mid-2017. The company intends to establish another 400MW plant powered by methane gas.
Japanese group reaffirms SA commitment as Hitachi Power Africa disappears
Corporate activity at an international level has resulted in the disappearance of Hitachi Power Africa (HPA), which was controversially associated with the African National Congress’s Chancellor House, and the emergence of Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Africa (MHPSA), which was formally launched at the beginning of March.
The 400-employee business assumes responsibility for the boiler contracts at Eskom’s Medupi and Kusile coal-fired power projects, which are also the largest and most complex currently being undertaken globally by the larger Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems joint venture, which is domiciled in Yokohama, Japan.
Read more: Japanese group reaffirms SA commitment as Hitachi Power Africa disappears
US moves ahead on massive Africa power bid
US lawmakers broke through a logjam Thursday on a plan to bring electricity to 50 million Africans, in what Washington hopes will be its next major initiative for the continent.
During a visit to Africa in June, President Barack Obama announced a US drive to improve power for the two thirds of Africans who lack a reliable supply.
But legislation in Congress, which is more concrete and ambitious than Obama's initial statement, had been held up by a dispute on whether to support electrical plants that produce large amounts of carbon blamed for climate change.
