Takaze Hydropower Station formally kick-started

Updated: 2009-11-20

A full view of Takaze Hydropower Station Dam

On the morning of Nov 14, 2009 local time, the Takaze Hydropower Station in Ethiopia, which boasts the highest double curvature arch dam constructed by CGGC in Africa, was officially put into operation.

Liu Yanhua, chairman of CGGC Board of Supervisors, attended the celebration ceremony as a specially invited guest, together with Ethiopian Premier Meles and senior officials; Gu Xiaojie, the Chinese ambassador in Ethiopia; Qian Shaogang, the economic councilor; and major leaders of parties participating in the project construction.

As an important project to develop the economy and improve people’s livelihood in Ethiopia, the Takaze Hydropower Station combines such functions as water conservancy, power generation and irrigation. It is the largest hydropower station in the country and known as the Three Gorges Project of Ethiopia.

Equipped with four 75,000kw-generating sets in total, the station has a total installed capacity of 300,000kw, and a dam with a height of 188 meters, which is the highest concrete double curvature arch dam in Africa. After completion of the station, the total installed capacity in Ethiopia will increase by nearly 30 percent, which will greatly propel the economic development of the country.

The double curvature arch dam, which was the most difficult part to construct and imposed the highest requirement on technology in the project, was exclusively undertaken by CGGC. Since the commencement in 2002, all the staff of the project department have overcome various difficulties in scorching days in Africa, finished the dam grouting ahead of schedule, and created the miracle that the arch dam has no crack at all.

At the celebration ceremony, Premier Meles highly commended the efforts the Chinese enterprises, including CGGC, had made for the Takaze Hydropower Station Project, and pointed out that during the construction of the power station, CGGC and other Chinese companies had demonstrated high sense of responsibility and showcased the wisdom of the Chinese people. He sincerely appreciated these companies for their hard work, and congratulated the smooth commissioning of the power station.

After the ceremony, Liu Yanhua paid a visit to Alemayehu Tegenu, the Minister of Mines & Energy of Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa. The minister highly praised the strength of CGGC, and hoped the FAN Project undertaken by CGGC would be completed at an early date to mitigate the energy shortage in Ethiopia. Liu said CGGC would spare no effort to ensure that the FAN Project would realize the objective of storing water, to reward the support of the Ethiopian government and people.