According to Angolan Minister of Energy and Water H.E. João Baptista Borges, the governments of Angola and Namibia have signed bilateral agreements for the construction of the cross-border Baynes hydroelectric dam.
The minister said the agreement will enable the launch of a public tender for the selection of a construction firm for the project, in line with the proposed timeline.
Located on the Cunene River on the border between Angola and Namibia, the 600-MW dam is planned for construction in 2021, with an estimated cost of $1.2 billion and a completion date scheduled for 2025.
“If we stick to the schedule of the agreement, we can comply with the deadlines, because there is a great interest in this bi-national project,” said the Minister.
Of the 600 MW to be produced by the plant, 300 MW will be directed to Angola and Namibia, respectively. The terms of this agreement were approved by the governments of both countries in November 2014, within the framework of a feasibility study completed in 2013.
The construction of the Baynes hydroelectric dam falls within Angola’s Energy 2025 Vision, which centers on creating increased capacity and distribution capabilities, supported by new renewables and private sector investment in new power generation projects.