CAMEROON CELEBRATES THE SUCCESSFUL INPOUNDMENT OF THE NACHTIGAL DAM

France’s EDF Group advised that a symbolic step for the Nachtigal site was completed on July 17, 2023 with the filling of the dam. An operation that consists of filling the dam for the first time to create the water reservoir that will supply the production plant.
After 4 years of work, the EDF and NHPC teams celebrated the progressive impoundment of the Nachtigal dam, the largest hydroelectric scheme in Cameroon!
With an installed capacity of 420 MW, the dam will cover 30% of the country’s electricity needs from the second half of 2024. This project, which has mobilized up to 3,700 people, mainly residents of the region, currently has 2,500 employees committed on a daily basis to make it a success.
As the main shareholder, the EDF Group brings its expertise to ensure that Nachtigal is a quality and safe structure, built with respect for the environment.
The project site is located 70 km north-east of the capital Yaoundé. The dam, built on the Sanaga River, will be 1.455 km long and the headrace channel will be 3.3 km long. With an installed capacity of 420 MW, Nachtigal will be the most powerful electricity generating facility in Cameroon when it is commissioned. The development, construction and operation of this hydroelectric scheme is the responsibility of the Cameroonian company Nachtigal Hydro Power Company (NHPC), which is 40% owned by EDF.
(Source: EDF – Image: Nachtigal dam/World Bank)