Karuma Power Station

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Karuma Power Station
Map of Uganda showing the location of Karuma
Country Uganda
Location Karuma
Coordinates 02°14′35″N 32°14′42″E / 2.24306°N 32.24500°E / 2.24306; 32.24500Coordinates: 02°14′35″N 32°14′42″E / 2.24306°N 32.24500°E / 2.24306; 32.24500
Status Under Construction[1]
Commission date 2018 (Expected)[2]
Power station
Primary fuel Hydropower
Power generation
Maximum capacity 600 MW

Karuma Power Station is a 600MW hydroelectric power project under constructionin Uganda.[3]

Location

The Power Station is located at Karuma, on the Victoria Nile, at the present location of the Karuma Falls. This location is approximately 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi), upstream of where the Masindi-Gulu Highway, crosses the river Nile. It is approximately 110 kilometres (68 mi), by road, northeast of Masindi[4] and approximately 70 kilometres (43 mi), by road, south of Gulu.[5] The coordinates of Karuma Power Station are:02 14 35N, 32 14 42E (Latitude:2.2430; Longitude:32.2450).

History

As far back as 1995, the Uganda Government had plans to construct a hydropower station at the site of the Karuma Falls. Initially, Norpak, a Norwegian Energy Company was awarded the contract to perform the feasibility study and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the dam. The World Bank promised to make a loan available to pay for the construction.[6] The feasibility study report was made available in October 2006.[7] Bids for construction of the project went out in November 2006. Initially, the plan was to build a 200-250 MW power station.[8]

In 2009, the plans were redrawn, calling for a much larger project of 750 MW.[9] Sometime during 2009, Norpak, the original proposed developers of the smaller 200MW project, pulled out of negotiations with the Uganda Government, citing the Global Recession of 2008 to 2012.[10] The Uganda Government then contracted Energy Infratech Private Limited, to perform a new feasibility study and a new Environmental Impact Assessment, given the new larger power station that is now planned.[11] At that time, construction was expected to start in 2012 and last six years.[12] The Government of Uganda will fund the project, without outside help, if need be.

In July 2011, media reports indicated that the maximum capacity of the project had been scaled back to 600MW from 750MW. Some International development partners wanted to scale back even further, to a maximum capacity of 400 to 450MW.[13]

Construction costs

In January 2011, Energy Infratech Private Limited, the Indian company contracted to perform the feasibility study for the project, published their report. The estimated total cost for the dam and power plant is approximately US$2.2 billion. That figure includes the cost needed to build a transmission line from Karuma to a location where the power will be integrated into the national power grid.[14][15] The power generated will be transmitted via high voltage wires to substations in: (a) Kawanda, Wakiso District (b) Kamdini, Oyam District and (c) Lira, Lira District. The construction costs for the high voltage transmission lines are estimated at US$250 million.[16] In July 2013, the Government of Uganda awarded the construction contract to Sinohydro, a Chinise construction company. Work is expected to begin immediately and last five years. Construction will be jointly funded by the Ugandan and Chinese governments.[17]

External links

Photos and diagrams

See also

References

  1. ↑ Construction Began In August 2013
  2. ↑ Karuma Power Station Expected Online In 2018
  3. ↑ Karuma Power Station Scaled Back to 600MW Capacity
  4. ↑ Map Showing Masindi and Karuma Falls with Distance Marker
  5. ↑ Road Distance Between Gulu and Karuma Falls with Map
  6. ↑ Norpak Blames World Bank & Uganda for Karuma Delays
  7. ↑ Feasibility Study and EIA Reports Available in October 2006
  8. ↑ Initial Plans for Karuma Were for 200-250MW
  9. ↑ Karuma Expanded To 750MW
  10. ↑ Norpak Pulls Out of Karuma Dam Project
  11. ↑ Energy Infratech Is Providing Technical and Management Services For Karuma Power Station
  12. ↑ Construction To Start In 2012 And Last Six Years
  13. ↑ Karuma Capacity Now 600MW
  14. ↑ Karuma Dam To Cost US$2.2 Billion
  15. ↑ Karuma Hydropower Plant To Cost US$2.2 Billion
  16. ↑ Power Evacuation Infrastructure To Cost US$250 million
  17. ↑ Uganda And China To Jointly Fund Karuma Power Dam Construction
Capital: Oyam
Towns and villages
Economy
Notable landmarks
Capital: Kiryandongo
Towns and villages
Geography
  • Victoria Nile
Economy
Notable landmarks
Education
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