The fifth unit of the Nachtigal hydropower plant was commissioned on last December 23, adding a further 60 MW to the Southern Interconnected System, bringing the current generation capacity to 300 MW.

The commissioning of unit 5 illustrates the concrete progress of the Nachtigal project, which was 98% complete at the end of November. Units 6 and 7 are progressing at a steady pace, with Unit 6 being connected to the Southern Interconnected Grid on 26 December. NHPC remains committed to delivering the entire Nachtigal hydropower scheme by early 2025 to ensure that Cameroon has a supply of green, available and competitive electricity,” said a source within the project company.

Built by French utility EDF, the 420MW Nachtigal hydropower project in central Cameroon was commissioned on 10 May, with the first 60MW fed into the Southern Interconnected System (RIS). This first unit was originally scheduled to be commissioned in September 2023.

When finally commissioned in 2025, Nachtigal will be the most powerful hydropower plant in Cameroon and a real asset for the country’s sustainable development. With a capacity of 420 MW, it will provide nearly 30% of Cameroon’s energy needs with clean, available and affordable electricity.