A workshop to present the work carried out as part of the technical assistance for the development of hydropower on the Sanaga river brought together last December 5 experts, institutional players and entrepreneurs to discuss the development of the Nachtigal dam.
The meeting, which was characterised by rich and constructive exchanges, provided an opportunity to review the progress of the project and to identify the challenges to be overcome in order to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness. Since its inauguration, the Nachtigal dam has already begun to produce more than 300 megawatts of electricity, supplying Cameroon’s national grid. This project is part of a long-term vision by the Cameroonian government to maximise the hydroelectric potential of the Sanaga, an impressively rich river basin with nearly 6,000 megawatts of energy. The next stage, the construction of a new 500 megawatt dam, will add to this momentum, with the aim of not only meeting the country’s domestic needs but also exporting electricity to neighbouring markets.
The workshop also provided an opportunity to review the strategic importance of regional cooperation, particularly with Nigeria. With a population of more than 200 million, Nigeria is a vital market for the sub-region. Experts stressed that major projects such as Nachtigal must be accompanied by transnational cooperation to ensure that the economic spin-offs benefit the whole of West Africa. The interconnection with Chad and the ongoing interconnection with Nigeria should, in time, allow for strong regional energy integration in support of sustainable and integrated development.
Despite this progress, concerns remain about the safety of the Nachtigal dam. Experts have warned of seepage on the downstream face, which has not yet been fully controlled. This raises concerns about the long-term stability of the dam, although monitoring work is underway. The recommendations are that a thorough review should be carried out before final acceptance of the project. The issue of dam safety is crucial as it determines the sustainability of the project and the protection of downstream communities.
A model of cooperation for development
The workshop also highlighted the need for close cooperation between the various actors involved in the project, from the Cameroonian authorities to contractors, financial institutions and technical experts. This cooperation has been essential to the success of Nachtigal, and experts agree that it is a model for other infrastructure projects in Africa.
The Nachtigal project is a perfect illustration of Cameroon’s ambition to fully exploit its hydropower potential while ensuring harmonious regional development. While challenges remain, particularly in terms of plant safety and environmental and social impact management, the lessons learned and recommendations made during this workshop will undoubtedly help guide future decisions and developments towards sustainable and responsible energy development.
