VITACH Guinea and POWERCHINA International have inked a contract for the construction of the Kakara Hybrid Power Plant, a project combining hydroelectric and photovoltaic energy. The signing ceremony took place on September 28, 2022, marking a significant milestone for the project located in the Lower Guinea region, along the Fatala River in the Boffa prefecture.
The estimated cost of the Kakara Hybrid Power Plant is USD 407 million, with construction set to commence at the end of November 2022. The project is slated to take 54 months for completion, and following construction, it will operate under a concession period of 25 years.
Representatives from VITACH Guinea and POWERCHINA International emphasized the project's importance for the Boké region. With a planned capacity of 120 megawatts and an annual output of 520 gigawatt-hours, the hybrid plant aligns with Guinea's energy development strategy, contributing to a diversified energy mix and addressing the energy needs of mining companies in the Boffa and Boké areas.
The Deputy National Director of Energy, Salifou Camara, highlighted the project's role in meeting regional demand and encouraged swift implementation. VITACH Guinea's CEO, Boubacar Kaba, detailed the project's advantages, particularly during dry seasons, aiming to alleviate electricity shortages.
The Kakara project adopts a hybrid approach to address Guinea's energy needs during both dry and rainy seasons, providing electricity to the national grid for 25 years. Kaba reassured citizens that the entire Boké region and beyond would benefit from the energy supply, emphasizing connectivity to the national grid and international networks.
POWERCHINA International emphasized its contributions to Guinea, including hydroelectric plants, railways, mining operations, road construction, and water supply projects. The cumulative value of contracts with POWERCHINA International in Guinea exceeds USD 1 billion, contributing to significant employment opportunities for both Chinese and local workers.
During construction, the Kakara project is expected to generate thousands of jobs in Guinea. Once operational, it will produce 520 million kWh of electricity annually, enhancing the quality of life for Guineans and supporting the mining industries. The collaboration between VITACH Guinea and POWERCHINA International is seen as a promising venture for the nation's development, with both companies committed to advancing the Kakara project.
