Cahora Bassa reduces power output due to low water levels

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Cahora Bassa reduces power output due to low water levels

1:43 CAT | 07 Jul 2016

DW (File photo ) / Cahora Bassa

The Cahora Bassa hydroelectric power plant (HCB) yesterday announced restrictions on the production of electricity until December as a result of low water levels in the dam.

In a statement cited by Noticias, HCB indicates that weak flow in the Zambezi River is compromising production, with water levels falling from 321.32m above the sea level to 317.31m between January and June this year.

To balance business, social and ecological needs, per-unit generator output is to be reduced from 415 MW to 365 MW, which should allow for rapid recovery in 2017. The restrictions may be revised according to rainfall levels, but only minimal restrictions on power supply are foreseen.

As a result of considerable investments in the implementation of its engineering plan, Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric achieved record production in 2015 of 16,978 GW/hour, an annual increase of 2.44 percent.

The previous record was achieved in 2009, when production reached 16,574 GW/hour.

Following this record production, HCB recorded sales worth 12,201 million meticais (US$258 million) and operating income for the year reached 6,135 million meticais (US$130 million).

The restrictions on energy production announced yesterday coincide with the projected construction of HCB’s second phase expansion project North Central generating facility, which should current production of electricity by almost half.

Source: Notícias