Refurbishing medium-sized units in Central Africa

Energy demand will increase dramatically in Africa in the coming years, mainly as a consequence of the demographic development and increased access to electricity. This demand will be covered principally by fossil energy and large hydroelectric power schemes. New hydro schemes generally require many years of development and construction. As such, the overhaul and refurbishment of existing powerplants represents an efficient alternative. An increase in output of 30 per cent can be reached under certain conditions. Recent examples are presented here of overhaul and refurbishment projects in Cameroon (Edea I, Song Loulou) and DR Congo (Ruzizi I, Bendera).