SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Inauguration of the first Nachtigal hydroelectric turbine in Cameroon

The commissioning of the first turbine in Cameroon's Nachtigal hydroelectric project marks a turning point in the country's energy production, with significant implications for industrial and domestic development.

Share:

Développement du Barrage Natchigal

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99€/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

After five years of intensive work, the first unit of the Nachtigal hydroelectric project was inaugurated on May 10, 2024. It marks a significant step towards strengthening Cameroon’s energy infrastructure. The ceremony was attended by Gaston Eloundou Essomba, Minister of Water and Energy, and Louis-Paul Motaze, Minister of Finance.

Regional Capabilities and Expansion

This first turbine, with a capacity of 60 MW, will supply the Southern Interconnected System (RIS), serving several major regions. Minister Essomba stressed the importance of this project in meeting the growing needs of Cameroon’s industries and households. In addition, plans are in place to export 100 MW of electricity to Chad by 2027.

Partner contributions and financing

The project is managed by the Nachtigal Hydro Power Company (NHPC), with participations from Électricité de France (EDF), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the State of Cameroon, the Africa50 investment platform, and the French asset manager STOA Infra & Energy. These partners have mobilized 1.2 billion euros for this hydroelectric scheme. It includes a 1.455 km dam on the Sanaga River and a 3.3 km feeder canal, located 70 km from Yaoundé.

Future Impact and Sustainable Development

With a planned final capacity of 420 MW by December 2024, the Nachtigal hydropower plant will increase Cameroon’s electricity generation capacity by 30%. This development is crucial to the country’s energy future. It will provide a clean, sustainable source of energy while enhancing national energy security.
The inauguration of the first turbine at Nachtigal symbolizes a major step forward in Cameroon’s efforts to improve its energy autonomy and support its economic development. This project not only strengthens the national power grid, but also plans to position Cameroon as a key energy exporter in the region.

 

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Venture Global sinks 20% after legal defeat to BP over LNG contract dispute
ZimZam 2025 mobilises energy players to accelerate regional integration
ENGIE secures 31GWh/year of biomethane from CVE Biogaz in Ludres
Wood Mackenzie: the UK can double North Sea reserves without breaching climate limits
The European Union ensures gas security for winter despite halt in Russian supplies
Gabon signs $1.78 billion deal with Todini for two hydropower dams
Gabon has signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy’s Todini to develop two hydropower plants in Booué and Tsengué-Lélédi, with an estimated value of $1.78 billion to address electricity shortages.
Axian investit $670mn dans un projet hydroélectrique stratégique à Madagascar
Le groupe Axian renforce son portefeuille énergétique avec le projet de barrage de Volobe à Madagascar, une initiative estimée à $670mn visant à étendre l’accès à l’électricité dans un pays en proie à de fortes tensions sociales.
Nagano commissions 1.5MW hydro plant and secures deal with Seiko Epson
Nagano Prefecture has commissioned a new 1.5MW hydropower plant to supply Seiko Epson’s Ina facility under a sleeved power purchase agreement managed by Chubu Electric Power Miraiz.
France: The Senate wants to include dam reform in the energy planning bill
The Senate's economic affairs committee recommends including the reform of the legal framework for dams in the upcoming energy bill to avoid competitive tendering, following a principle agreement between Paris and Brussels.
Ottawa allocates $17mn to two Indigenous hydroelectric projects in Quebec
The Canadian government is investing nearly CAD17mn ($12.4mn) to support two hydroelectric initiatives led by Indigenous communities in Quebec, aiming to reduce diesel dependency in remote regions.
Canada commits $7,88mn for two tidal projects in Nova Scotia
Federal funding targets FORCE’s PICO platform and an Acadia study on fish–turbine collision risks, aiming to reduce regulatory uncertainty and accelerate industrial adoption in the Bay of Fundy.
Statkraft files application to increase production at Alta by 20%
The Norwegian operator plans to install a third turbine to capture part of today’s bypassed floodwater without changing the flow on the salmon stretch; commissioning would be at the earliest in 2030. —
Statkraft sells a 150 MW hydropower project in India to JSW Energy
Norway’s Statkraft continues its exit from the Indian market with the sale of its Tidong hydropower project to JSW Energy, which strengthens its asset portfolio in Himachal Pradesh.
Eco Wave Power deploys BladeRanger drones to automate wave maintenance
Eco Wave Power and BladeRanger have unveiled a first-of-its-kind drone-powered maintenance system for onshore wave energy infrastructure, aimed at reducing operational costs and improving system performance.
Italy could unlock €16bn in hydropower through new concession model
A TEHA-Enel report highlights that 86% of Italy's hydropower concessions are expiring, threatening key investments and the country's energy security.
Hull Street Energy acquires 13 hydroelectric dams in Michigan
Hull Street Energy has signed an agreement to acquire thirteen hydroelectric dams from Consumers Energy, totalling 132 MW, further consolidating its position in the North American hydro sector.
Ethiopia commissions Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is now fully operational, with a planned capacity of 5,150 MW, marking a key step in the country’s energy deployment.
Minesto launches microgrid project in the Faroe Islands with local integration
Sweden's Minesto begins a SEK25mn ($2.26mn) tidal microgrid project in the Faroe Islands, targeting integration with local applications such as electric vehicle charging and industrial processes.
Renaissance Dam could generate $1bn annual revenues for Ethiopia
The Grand Renaissance Dam, set to be inaugurated in September, aims to produce 5,000 megawatts and could generate up to $1 billion per year for Ethiopia, according to the government.
Paris and Brussels reach agreement to unlock hydroelectric investment in France
A principle agreement between Paris and Brussels opens the way to reforming the legal framework of hydroelectric concessions in France, ending a deadlock that lasted over ten years.
Eco Wave Power activates its first operational wave power station at the Port of Los Angeles
Swedish company Eco Wave Power has completed testing of its technology at the Port of Los Angeles, reaching a tangible milestone with the launch of its floaters to generate electricity from waves.
Georgia Power launches targeted upgrades on its aging hydropower fleet
Georgia Power continues technical upgrades at several hydroelectric plants in Georgia, with approval from the public regulator, to ensure the reliability of the state’s electricity grid.
Brazil Mobilizes $1 Billion for 65 Hydropower Plants
A landmark auction in Brazil allocates 815 MW to medium-sized hydroelectric plants, with grid injection scheduled from 2030.
ISDN acquires 51% of PT Funda to expand its hydropower assets in Indonesia
ISDN Holdings strengthens its position in Indonesia by acquiring a majority stake in PT Funda, integrating hydropower capabilities across the entire project lifecycle and consolidating its renewable energy investments.
Taiwan Allocates a Port Area to Wave Energy Through a Public Tender
The Port of Suao becomes the first site in Taiwan open to commercial testing of wave energy production, following the allocation of Lot C to I-KE International Ocean Energy Co., partner of Eco Wave Power.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99€/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.