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The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Feature: Chinese-built hydropower projects foster talent development in Cote d'Ivoire
by Xinhua writers Sun Yi, Zhang Jian ABIDJAN, June 7 (Xinhua) -- As the rainy season settles over southwestern Cote d'Ivoire, the Sassandra River swells with renewed vigor. In the early morning mist, workers in uniforms and hard hats move with purpose through the Gribo-Popoli Hydroelectric Power Plant, inspecting spillways, monitoring water levels, and checking equipment. Among them is 32-year-old Bassirou Konate, a quality inspector who began his career nearly a decade ago. "When I first joined the Chinese-built hydropower project, I could barely read the blueprints," Konate recalled. "But a Chinese mentor was assigned to me. Step by step, he taught me everything." Konate began his career in 2016 at the Soubre Hydroelectric Power Plant, a project also built by the Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina). Since then, he has contributed to several major infrastructure initiatives and become a key member of the team building the Gribo-Popoli hydropower plant. "What I learned in school was theory," he said. "It was these projects that gave me hands-on experience. Now, I can support my family. I see a future not only for myself but for my community." Situated on one of Cote d'Ivoire's major rivers, the Gribo-Popoli station is part of a series of hydropower projects. The Sassandra River, with its abundant flow and favorable elevation gradients, holds vast potential for renewable energy. After completing the Soubre Hydroelectric Power Plant in 2017, PowerChina saw all three generating units at Gribo-Popoli come online by November 2024, unlocking even more hydropower capacity for the country. Yet, the energy these projects generate extends beyond electricity -- it is also empowering the growth of local talent. Dozens of Ivorian workers who began their careers at Soubre, like Konate, have since stepped into critical roles at Gribo-Popoli as quality inspectors, technicians, and supervisors. Their growing expertise is powering a new chapter in national infrastructure, one driven not just by machines, but by the skilled hands of local professionals. Hou Bing, chief engineer of the Gribo-Popoli Hydroelectric Power Plant, said the project created roughly 2,000 direct jobs during its construction phase and supported an additional 1,000 through related industries. "These projects are more than worksites. They are schools, places where Ivorian workers gain skill and confidence," Hou noted. "Knowledge is passed on along with the trust between our peoples. Together, we are building not only dams but bridges of friendship." Yao Michel N'Guessan's story mirrors that of Konate. Fresh out of school when he joined the Soubre project, N'Guessan began with little more than textbook knowledge. "Chinese engineers taught me how to install and maintain electrical systems," he said. Through on-the-job training, he steadily mastered the complexities of construction. Today, he leads a construction team at Gribo-Popoli. "What I gained from my Chinese mentors wasn't just skills," he said. "They taught me discipline, responsibility, and precision. We're not just workers anymore. We're nation-builders." As night falls, lights flicker on across the Gribo-Popoli Hydroelectric Power Plant, casting a warm glow over the Sassandra River. The dam and power station stand not only as engineering feats but as enduring symbols of partnership between China and Cote d'Ivoire.
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Iraq signs agreement with Power China International to boost power grid
Iraq's Ministry of Electricity has signed a strategic agreement with Power China International to implement key critical electricity transmission and distribution projects under the broader Iraq-China cooperation framework. A ministry statement published by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) said the agreement covers the preparation of feasibility studies, technical planning, design, supply and implementation. The Ministry said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the government to stabilise and enhance the efficiency of the national power grid to meet growing electricity demand across the country. (Writing by Majda Muhsen; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's OQ issues go-ahead for 300 MW renewable projects, signs $2bln strategic deals
Oman's state energy company OQ on Monday announced the full notice to proceed (NTP) on the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for three renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 300 megawatts (MW). The go-ahead forms part of 13 agreements worth more than $2 billion announced by OQ at Oman Sustainability Week 2025 in Muscat. The notice to proceed was issued to a consortium comprising France's TotalEnergies and OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE), with Power China as the EPC contractor. The projects include the 100 MW North Solar plant in Saih Nihaydah in northern Oman, and two 100 MW wind farms—Riyah-1 and Riyah-2—located in the Amin and West Nimr fields in the south. In December 2024, Total Energies had announced that it has entered into a 49:51 partnership deal with OQAE for the three projects. The electricity generated - estimated at 1.4 terawatt-hours annually – will be delivered to Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). The French energy giant had said construction would begin in early 2025, with operations starting in late 2026 Other agreements related to the three projects included: Transformer procurement agreement for the three projects by TotalEnergies, OQAE, Power China with Oman-based Voltamp. The agreement will deliver In-Country Value (ICV). Wind turbine procurement agreement with China's Goldwind by TotalEnergies, OQAE, Power China for Riyah 1 and 2 wind projects Financing agreements for Riyah 1 and 2 with Bank Muscat and Al Ahli Bank by TotalEnergies and OQAE PV panels procurement pact with China's Longi by TotalEnergies, OQAE and Power China Financing agreement for North Solar with Bank Muscat by TotalEnergies and OQAE. OQAE also signed initial agreements for new renewable energy projects: Joint Development Agreement (JDA) between OQAE and United Solar for a 700 MW renewable energy project to power Sohar Polysilicon Plant JDA between OQAE and Jindal Renewables for a 500MW project to provide renewable energy for Jindal plants in Suhar and Duqm Heads of Agreement between OQAE and Oxy Zero In for a 140MW renewable energy project in Block 09 Heads of Agreement between OQAE and Vale for a 105MW renewable energy project for Vale's facilities in Oman Strategic collaboration agreement between OQ and Mistubishi Heavy Industries for Energy Innovation. OQ said these strategic partnerships will accelerate Oman's energy transition and net-zero ambitions, unlocking sustainable growth while strengthening economic diversification and cementing its leadership in green energy. (Writing by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
The Tallest Dam in the World Begins Storing Water
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station in China's Sichuan province is set to become the tallest dam in the world. The project officially entered its final stage on May 1, when water storage began at the site. Standing 315 meters tall once fully completed, the dam surpasses the current world record holder, the Jinping-I Dam, by just 10 meters. It is designed to generate 2,000 megawatts of electricity annually, which is enough to power over three million homes. The Context For the last decade, China has been building infrastructure that reduces reliance on coal. Once operational, Chinese authorities claim the Shuangjiangkou Dam will offset nearly 3 million tons of coal consumption annually, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 7 million tons. Like many other parts of the country's core infrastructure, the dam will be state-owned, and managed by the Power Construction Corporation of China, also known as PowerChina. What To Know The Shuangjiangkou project began construction in 2015 and is located along the upper reaches of the Dadu River, which flows from the Tibetan Plateau into the Sichuan Basin. PowerChina claims it will be able to generate over 7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, with construction so far costing ¥36 billion, the equivalent of almost $5 billion. The construction location, which is over 2,400 meters above sea level, sees constant seismic activity, which has slowed construction at times. During the initial water storage phase, the water level had been raised to 2,344 meters, approximately 80 meters above the original river height. Full commissioning is expected by the end of 2025. Images of the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station published on May 3, 2025. Images of the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station published on May 3, 2025. China Railway Construction Corporation China has nearly half of all dams taller than 15 meters. The current tallest dam in the world, the Jinping-I Dam, is in the same region of China and stands at 305 meters tall. The second tallest, the Nurek Dam, is in Tajikistan, but the third, fourth, fifth and sixth tallest are all also in China, two of which, the Lianghekou Dam and Baihetan Dam, were built within the last decade. What People Are Saying In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the China Railway Construction Corporation said: "On May 1st, the world's tallest dam, the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station in Sichuan Province, constructed by the China Railway Construction Corporation, completed its first water impoundment. Once fully operational, it will generate 7.7 billion kWh of electricity annually." What Happens Next The Shuangjiangkou Dam's first unit will start generating electricity by the end of 2025. Once fully operational, its 2,000 MW output will link into the rest of the Sichuan region's hydropower grid.
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Business Standard
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
World's tallest dam in China reaches key phase as water storage begins
China is closing in on the completion of the world's tallest dam, the Sichuan province's Shuangjiangkou hydropower project. On May 1, water storage started in the project, an important milestone towards the dam becoming operational, as reported in South China Morning Post (SCMP). With a height of 315 metres and a storage capacity of 110 million cubic metres, the dam is designed to generate 2,000 megawatts of electricity annually, enough to power over three million homes. Located in Sichuan province's Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture, the 36 billion Yuan (US$4.9 billion) project has been under construction for nearly 10 years. Upon completion, it will have two purposes: power generation and floodwater management. Where is the dam being built in China? The dam, which rises from the upper section of the Dadu River, which flows from the Tibetan Plateau in the east towards the Sichuan Basin, is to have an imposing height of 315 metres (1,033 feet). That makes it roughly equivalent in height to a 100-storey skyscraper and taller than the current world record holder, the Jinping-I dam, also in Sichuan, by 10 metres. As of the completion of its first storage phase, the water level had reached 2,344 metres – approximately 80 metres above the river's original height, the report said. The dam is designed to hold around 110 million cubic metres of water, nearly eight times the capacity of Hangzhou's famed West Lake. When will the power station become operational? Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina), the developer of the project, announced that the project is progressing steadily toward commissioning, with the first unit expected to begin producing electricity by the end of 2025. Once operational, the dam will generate 2,000 megawatts, producing over 7 billion kWh annually, enough for three million homes. How will the dam support China's green energy goals? According to PowerChina, the renewable energy produced by the facility will offset 2.96 million tonnes of coal consumption annually and cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 7.18 million tonnes, bolstering China's push toward carbon neutrality. Approved in April 2015 and under construction since July that year, the project faced significant engineering hurdles due to its high-altitude location — over 2,400 metres above sea level — and geologically complex terrain. A 2016 paper in Engineering, published by the Chinese Academy of Engineering, highlighted major technical challenges including seismic resistance, controlling seepage and drainage, and constructing the dam's core structure. To overcome these issues, engineers have deployed cutting-edge solutions including robotics and 5G-enabled systems. Robotic rollers equipped with sensors collect real-time data to optimise construction performance, while drones help monitor potential environmental risks around the site. How is China placed in global dam construction? China leads the world in dam building, having constructed over 22,000 dams taller than 15 metres since the 1950s, accounting for nearly half the global total. Most of these massive structures are located in the southwest, spanning rivers such as the Yangtze, Lancang, and Jinsha. Will China's dam-building affect water flow in India? China has also announced plans to build the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River (called Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet), near the Indian border. Addressing concerns from India and Bangladesh, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated in January this year that the project has passed strict scientific assessments. He assured that it would not adversely impact the ecology, geology, or water supply of downstream nations. Instead, China argued that the project will support disaster prevention and help tackle climate change in the region.
