Energy production: 400 MW expected in 2020

By the end of 2020, Cameroon will benefit from an additional power of approximately 400 MW. This is what the Platinum Power Group has committed through Makay hydroelectric complex, a site located in the Central region, Nyong and Kelle precisely on the river Nyong.

The framework agreement for the development of this project was concluded yesterday between the Minister of Water and Energy (Minee), Basile Atangana Kouna and general manager of the company, Omar Belmamoun.

The development project of the Makay hydroelectric complex was initiated in January 2014 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Platinum Power and the Republic of Cameroon. The FCFA 500 billion agreement will develop energy power for Cameroon, which despite its second position in terms of hydropower potential in sub-Saharan Africa, just valued less than 5% of its potential.

The infrastructure site is divided into two sub-sites, including the site of Makay and Milly, known under the Makay 1 project that will have a projected capacity of between 210 and 250 MW and Makay 2 which will increase capacity of 150 MW.

"The construction of Makay hydroelectric complex will elp improve access to electricity for 6 million people and at the same time provide Cameroon reliable, clean and renewable energy," said Nabil Saimi, CTO of the company.

Three main components will furnish the agreement signed yesterday: the development, financing and operation of the Makay hydroelectric complex as well as electricity transmission infrastructure associated with it. For now, the topographical surveys were conducted on the site. In addition to more power, Cameroon will benefit 3 000 direct jobs.

Platinum Power SA is an independent operator under Moroccan law specialized in electricity among others in the construction and operation of power generation projects from renewable sources. Its main shareholder is the US investment fund Brookstone partners.

After Morocco, Ivory Coast and Senegal where the company has developed a pipeline of nearly 1,000 MW of hydroelectric projects, wind and solar, it now wishes to settle in Cameroon.

Rich experience appreciated by Minister Basile Atangana Kouna for which the optimization of the electrical potential of the country remains a need. According to engineering estimates, the first stone of the complex will be laid in February 2017. The operation in turn is expected to end in 2020.