Nov 20 2009
Environmental construction and engineering services provider MWH and Energoprojekt, the joint venture partner of the former, completed Ethiopia’s the Tekeze Hydropower Project estimated at an investment of $350 million.
The Tekeze Hydropower plant represents Africa’s tallest dam, with a height of 188m, whose construction has been funded by the Ethiopian government. The dam is expected to serve the power requirements of Ethiopia and help prevent energy outages that faced the country in recent times.
The Tekeze Hydropower project will output 300 megawatts of clean power electricity, which is a 40% increase from country’s current electricity generation of 683 megawatts. Ethiopia lacks fossil fuel resources and hence, power generated in the country is completely from hydroelectric sources. The Tekeze project has tapped the potential of Ethiopia’s rivers to deliver water, heat and light to the country’s residents in a cost effective manner.
According to President and CEO, Alan Krause, the Tekeze Hydropower Plant will provide instant and continuous energy benefits to the people of Ethiopia while also showcasing MWH’s expertise in wet infrastructure and its commitment to enhancing global sustainability.
A dedication ceremony was celebrated on November 14, 2009 at the hydropower plant located on the Tekeze River in Ethiopia. Ethiopian government officials, foreign government officials, business figures and the media attended the event.
As the hydropower facility is away from the city, MWH provided direction for the development of roads and three small towns inhabited by its 3,000-odd workers. As part of the project, many local engineers and technicians received on-the-job training along with class room training to inculcate technical skills to the residents. The training was aimed at enabling the use of their skills for future development projects.
The hydropower project was started in the year 1998, with design reviews, construction drawings, model packaging and evaluation. This hydropower facility is considered as the largest public works project carried out in Ethiopia, and it has enabled continuous economic and social growth for the people of Ethiopia.
Source: www.mwhglobal.com