Sanaga-Maritime Division: Kikot dam to boost energy sector by 2030.

The project, a joint venture between Electricité de France, EDF, and the Cameroon government, is expected to be a game changer for the country's energy landscape, with a projected cost of over €1 billion and funding from the World Bank and other financial partners.

The pre-selection process, which commenced on January 27, invites companies to submit applications for initial evaluation, with only selected candidates invited to participate in the tender process scheduled to be launched before the year runs out.

"Only candidates selected during this phase will be invited to participate in the tender process, which is expected to launch in August or September 2025," said Christophe Avognon, Director of KHPC.

The rigorous selection process, the company said, is designed to ensure that only the most qualified and capable companies are involved in the construction of the dam, which will feature a 1,200-metre-long dam and a plant with six Kaplan turbines.

Upon completion in 2030, the Kikot Dam is expected to become Cameroon's largest power plant, surpassing the current largest plant, Nachtigal, which has a capacity of 420 MW.

Moreover, the project will be the largest low-carbon infrastructure in Central Africa, making it a significant milestone in the region's transition to renewable energy. 

The dam will have a significant impact on the country's energy sector, providing a reliable and sustainable source of power to meet the growing demand for electricity.

The project is divided into several lots, including civil engineering, electromechanical, and transmission line and substation lots, allowing companies to apply for one or multiple lots. 

The Kikot Dam project, experts say, is proof of Cameroon government's commitment to increasing the country's energy capacity and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The project is also expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in the region. 

With the pre-selection process now underway, the stage is set for the construction of the ambitious project, which is expected to transform Cameroon's energy landscape and set a new standard for low-carbon infrastructure in the whole of Central African Sub-region. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3355 of Friday January 31, 2025