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Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station enters commercial operations in Cote d’Ivoire

Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station enters commercial operations in Cote d’Ivoire
(POWERCHINA's Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station in Côte d'Ivoire Achieves Early Grid Connection and Power Generation with First Unit)

Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) announced that the first unit of the 112.9 MW Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station on the Sassandra River in the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire’s Soubre province has officially entered commercial operations.

The plant was constructed by POWERCHINA and completed a 72-hour trial operation on June 5, 2024, achieving grid connection and power generation ahead of schedule. This success will expedite economic and social development in Cote d’Ivoire by balancing income and expenditure in the power sector, significantly improving the livelihoods of residents, the company said.

Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station is located downstream from the POWERCHINA-completed Soubre Hydropower Station. The station is equipped with three cross-flow units and a storage capacity of 82 million m3. The dam is 4.2 km long with a maximum height of about 18.58 m. Work on the project officially began in August 2021.

Once put into full operation, the Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station project will help Cote d’Ivoire achieve its dual carbon emission reduction goals and generate additional energy to support neighboring countries. By providing surplus electricity, the country will enhance its role as a key energy provider in West Africa, benefiting the entire region.

“This is a key project in the implementation of Cote d’Ivoire’s clean energy development strategy that will make a positive contribution to the expansion of the country’s power supply and foreign exports,” said Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station General Manager Noumory Sidibe.

The Gribo-Popoli project integrates deeply with the local community, providing significant assistance. The project team has repaired roads and built primary schools. The repaired road section, crucial for its high traffic, connects St. Mary’s medical Clinic and the Total Energy gas station.

Founded in 2011, POWERCHINA is a construction group specializing in investment and financing, planning and design, engineering construction, equipment manufacturing, and operation management.