PowerChina-constructed Mali Gouina hydropower station enters on-grid trial operation

PowerChina Sinohydro Bureau 16 co.,Ltd has successfully completed all the commissioning work of Unit 1 of Mali Gouina hydropower station project on March 13, which marks the start of its 72-hour trial operation period, reported China Infrastructure News.

The Mali Gouina hydropower station is a large-scale infrastructure construction project in West Africa  under the framework of Belt and Road initiative, and it also marks a landmark project undertaken by Chinese enterprises in West Africa.

Invested and developed by Senegal River Basin Development Organization (OMVS), PowerChina is the EPC general contractor and the funds come from the preferential loan of Chinese government. Located in western Mali, Gouina hydropower station features three axial-flow hydro generator units, with a total installed capacity of 140 MW.

Since the official start of construction on November 15, 2016, the construction team has gone through the most difficult period with the Malian people and overcome unfavorable factors caused by COVID-19 epidemic. After Unit 1 entering into trial operation, the project team now works on the installation and commissioning of Units 2 and 3.

Upon completion, the project will not only alleviate electricity shortages in Mali, but transmit power to neighboring Senegal and Mauritania, further improving people's wellbeing in West Africa.