Caculo-Cabaça – Angola predicts a total hydroelectric potential of 18,000 megawatts of energy in the main basins of the Kwanza, Longa, Catumbela and Cunene rivers.
Most of that potential is concentrated in the Middle Kwanza Corridor, in the Capanda (Malange) and Cambambe (Cuanza Norte), the Minister of Energy and Water João Baptista Borges said Saturday in Caculo-Cabaça, northern Cuanza Norte province.
He put at 7, 000 megawatts the potential in Capanda/Cambambe segment.
The minister added that such a potential provides an electric power production capacity of hydroelectric dams and thermal power plants, in the aforementioned segment, of around 5,954, 19 megawatts.
The country's hydroelectric potential contributes 3,648.82 megawatts to the national energy matrix, 61.28 percent of the total, with 10 power plants whose distribution lines operate in synchrony with the North, Centre, South and East regions.
With these figures, João Baptista Borges said that the country was "blessed by God," with Angola having one of the greatest hydrological potentials on the African continent.
The minister, who was speaking at the ceremony to divert the Kwanza river, presided over by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, noted that the Caculo-Cabaça Hydroelectric Dam would have an installed capacity of 2,172 megawatts.
According to João Baptista Borges, the Angolan government is committed to the energy security targets, producing cheaper and more inclusive energy.
He said that the strategy is part of the energy transition, via the construction of a greener grid, with a focus on boosting the national economy.
"As representatives of the project owner our mission, in the project, will be to ensure compliance with contractual obligations signed with the different stakeholders in this process," he said.
According to the minister, the high concern and priority of the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, who plans to develop the country's energy sector in a robust, modern and inclusive way, becomes clear.
He said that Angola would continue to guide the projection of construction of future projects, relevant to the strategy of water and energy security, in the medium and long term.
He considered it fundamental that that projection take into account the last two levels of the Middle Kwanza, namely the Zenzo and Tumulo do Caçador mini-hydropower plants, which total 1,400 megawatts.
The minister also announced the conclusion this year of the rehabilitation and expansion of the Matala power plant, in southern Huila province.
According to him, this infrastructure will help increase the capacity from 18 to 40 megawatts.
On the hand, Luachimo power plant, in eastern Lunda-Norte province, will increase its capacity from 8 to 34 megawatts, the minister stressed.
