Electricity supply in Cameroon has been boosted with an additional 60 megawatts of supply from the Nachtigal Dam injected into the Southern Interconnected Grid.
The Ministry of Water and Energy said this will boost electricity supply in six regions of the country, including the North West, South West, Littoral, Center, West and South.
The additional electrical energy was commissioned during a ceremony chaired by Energy Minister, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, in Bachinga, Center Region, on Friday, May 10.
The 60 MW injection is part of the 420 megawatts of electricity that will be produced by the Nachtigal plant upon its completion.
Minister Eloundou Essomba affirmed that the additional capacity will meet the demands of both industries and households.
“Following the injection of these first 60 megawatts, the other six units of the plant will be progressively commissioned to achieve full commercial commissioning by December 2024,” he said adding that the project is already over 95 percent complete.
“The completion and commercial commissioning of this plant will significantly increase the electricity supply in the national power system,” said Gaston Essomba.
Prior to the injection, the Southern Grid had been experiencing frequent power outages.
The Nachtigal Dam project, one of Cameroon’s largest hydroelectric plants, has seen an investment of FCFA 786 billion.
“Before the end of this year, all the 4 megawatts will be available. Households will have more electricity, and our economy will grow. Life will be improved. Before the end of the year, the seven generators will be ready,” the Minister said.
Despite efforts to boost electricity through various dams, a majority of households in rural areas still lack access to electricity.
Urban areas also continue to suffer frequent power cuts, low voltage, which negatively impact businesses.
The injection of 60 MW from the Nachtigal Dam signifies a step towards addressing this issue and improving the overall quality of life for Cameroonians.
With the ongoing progress at the Nachtigal plant and its anticipated full commissioning, Cameroon is poised to achieve significant strides in its electricity sector, contributing to economic growth and development across the country.
