Angolan President Joao Lourenco recognised the potential socioeconomic benefits of the Caculo-Cabaca Hydropower Station, a project constructed by Chinese companies. Speaking during a ceremony held in the Cuanza Norte province to mark the start of the main construction phase, President Lourenco highlighted the anticipated positive impact on energy supply and the well-being of the Angolan people. The hydropower plant, once completed, is set to become Angola’s largest and the third largest in Africa.
During an interview with SAT, Angola’s Minister of Energy and Water, Joao Baptista Borges, expressed satisfaction with the partnership between Angola and China in promoting renewable energy within the country. Minister Borges noted the fruitful collaboration over the past decade, particularly with various Chinese companies operating in the energy and water sector.
According to the contractor for the Caculo-Cabaca project, China Gezhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC), the hydroelectric plant is strategically located in the middle section of the Cuanza River. Designed to have an installed capacity of 2,172 megawatts, the project aims to generate an average of 8,566 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year, contributing to a reduction of approximately 7.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Additionally, the dam will provide water flow regulation and flood prevention functions.
The project currently employs over 2,500 workers, with more than 81 percent being local workers. This emphasis on local employment aligns with the government’s goals of job creation and empowering the Angolan population.
As per the CGGC’s projection video displayed during the event, the connection of the first generator to the power grid is expected to be completed by 2026.
The completion of the Caculo-Cabaca Hydropower Station is anticipated to strengthen Angola’s energy infrastructure and contribute to its economic growth and sustainable development. Angola’s focus on renewable energy reflects its commitment to energy security, carbon footprint reduction, and improvement of the standard of living for its citizens.
The successful collaboration between Angola and China in the construction of the Caculo-Cabaca Hydropower Station serves as a noteworthy example of progress and sustainable development in the region.
