On May 1, 2023, in Uganda, the pearl of East Africa, PowerChina EPC undertook the construction of the Tianzihao project carrying the country's dream of enriching the people and strengthening the country - the second unit of the Karuma Hydropower Station was successfully connected to the grid for power generation, which will provide more energy for the country and its surrounding areas. The country's economic and social development provides a steady stream of green energy.

Project Overview

As the largest hydropower station in Uganda, the Karuma Hydropower Station was constructed by PowerChina EPC, in which the Eighth Hydropower Bureau and the Twelfth Bureau formed a joint venture for specific implementation. The East China Institute was responsible for the design of the entire power station hub, and the Central China Institute was responsible for the design of the substation and power transmission and transformation lines. The Fifth Bureau of Hydropower is responsible for the construction of the tailwater tunnel project of the power station.

During the operation period, the performance of the unit was excellent, and all the technical indicators met the design requirements, achieving the goal of one-time installation, one-time start-up, one-time commissioning and two-unit power generation within two months.

Powerhouse of Karuma Hydropower Station in Uganda

The total installed capacity of the power station is 600,000 kilowatts. After all 6 units are put into operation, it will become the largest power "granary" in the region, increasing the total power generation in Uganda to 1,878 megawatts, saving about 1.31 million tons of raw coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 3.48 million yuan per year. tons, which is equivalent to planting 1.5 million trees, and will also reduce electricity prices in the country by 17.5%.

Not far from the Karuma Hydropower Station is the Muchisen Falls National Park in Uganda. This 3,840-square-kilometer land is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and antelopes. From preliminary design to actual construction of hydropower stations, the protection of environmentally sensitive areas has been fully considered.

Uganda's Karuma Hydropower Project rescues wild animals

The Karuma Hydropower Station not only improved the local ecological environment, but also created a large number of local jobs. A total of more than 15,000 Uganda employees were employed in various positions, and local employees accounted for more than 85%, which brought stable income to local employees and injected vitality into Uganda's economy.

The Karuma Hydropower Station is a model project for the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Uzbekistan. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, the power construction builders will make every effort to promote the project's power generation compliance, continue to deepen the cooperative relationship between China and Ukraine, and promote the Belt and Road cooperation. Quality development, with practical actions to help build a high-quality development of the China-Africa community with a shared future.Editor/Ma Xue