Cahora Bassa Dam
Location: Tete, Mozambique
Type: Hydro
Status: Operational
Year of establishment: 1974
Installed Capacity: 2075 MWe
Project Description
The dam began to fill in December 1974 after construction was commenced in 1969 by the Portuguese colonial government of Mozambique (Portugal). The dam is 171 metres (561 ft) high by 303 metres (994 ft) wide at the crest.
Purpose/Application
Most of the power generated is exported to South Africa, via the Cahora Bassa HVDC system, a set of High Voltage Direct Current lines.
Unique Aspect
A considerable "kapenta" fishery has been developed in the reservoir. This has created huge economic activity for the region and a substantial food source for the public.
Future Plans
Mozambique state-owned power utility Electricidad de Mocambique (EDM) plans to invest $16 billion in the expansion of the electricity grid by 2030, under a project that will be implemented to provide power annually to around 300,000 families
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