Kabu 16 Hydroelectric Power Station

Kabu 16 Hydroelectric Power Station is a hydroelectric power station in Burundi. It was developed by the government of Burundi, with funding from the Indian government. Construction began in March 2019 and was completed in October 2024. It was formerly opened on October 25, 2024.

Location The power station is located across the Kaburantwa River, a tributary of the Ruzizi River. The power station is approximately upstream of where the two rivers merge.

This location is in Cibitoke Province, in the northwest of the country, approximately , southeast of the town of Cibitoke, the provincial capital.

Overview The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract was awarded to Angelique International Limited of India. The development involves the construction of a concrete and rock-fill dam, with a hydraulic head (water drop) of . WAPCOS Ltd. (A Govt. of India Undertaking) is Project Management Consultant for Kabu-16 HEP and monitored the project for good quality and timely completion. Two vertical Francis turbines, each rated at 10 megawatts were supplied by Voith, the German industrial machinery manufacturer. Other infrastructure installed include the construction of staff housing for the construction workers, an electric switchyard, electricity transmission lines and access roads to the site.

Funding The power station was funded by the Government of India as a developmental grant, with money borrowed from the Export-Import Bank of India.

Operations and benefits The power station was handed over to REGIDESO, the Burundian state-owned electric utility monopoly company, responsible for generation, transmission and distribution; and who will be operating it.

The power station supplies 177.7GWh of green energy into the Burundi grid, increasing available power for national economic expansion and job creation.

Kabu 16 Hydroelectric Power Station

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