SONATREL, Nachtigal Hydropower Company seal energy transportation deal.

Family photo of SONTREL, NHPC Boss, with minister after signing

The National Electricity Transmission Company, known by its French acronym, SONATREL, and the Nachtigal Hydro Power Company, NHPC, have formalised a key partnership to ensure the transmission of energy at a national level.



Both parties sealed the deal in a ceremony presided over by the Minister of Water Resources and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba. This was on Monday, September 23 in Yaounde.

The Director General of SONATREL, Victor Mbemi Nyankga, signed on behalf of institution while the Director General of NHPC, Vincent Leroux, inked for his company. 

The terms of the signed deal grants NHPC the right to transport the entire 420 MW of electricity generated by the Nachtigal dam and ensure a structured framework for the transmission of power across the national grid.

The Director General of SONATREL, Victor Mbemi Nyankga, highlighted the importance of the agreement, stating that: “NHPC is now entitled to request SONATREL to transport all the electricity produced by this dam, while NHPC will be paid by the electricity distributor, Eneo, with whom they hold a contract”.

Mbemi Nyankga emphasised the broader impact of this development stating, that: “Given the current challenges facing the energy sector, if NHPC didn’t exist, we would have had to create it. The country faces an energy deficit, leading to dependence on costly thermal energy. With this clean energy, the state can save valuable resources for economic development”.

Officials said the agreement signals a turning point for both companies and the broader energy sector, providing much-needed financial stability. 

SONATREL, tasked with the transmission of energy, will receive payments for the electricity delivered, easing the financial strain on the company and allowing for more sustainable resource management.

 

NHPC commits to project

Speaking shortly after sealing the deal, the NHPC boss reaffirmed his company’s commitment to the project, announcing the recent activation of the third turbine at the Nachtigal dam. 

“We are committed to adding one new turbine every month until January,” Vincent Leroux said, emphasising the project’s role in addressing the nation’s electricity shortfall and reducing reliance on costly hydrocarbons.

With this clean energy source, Leroux highlighted Cameroon’s progress toward achieving 85% hydropower in its energy mix, aligning with the country's sustainable development goals. Leroux also praised the partnership, acknowledging the complexity of the negotiations. 

“Each party defended its interests, but the overall objective was clear. This contract solidifies the technical work already accomplished and ensures financial stability for Nachtigal, SONATREL, and ENEO, ultimately benefiting the Cameroonian population,” he said.

The deal marked the culmination of lengthy negotiations facilitated by the Electricity Sector Regulatory Agency.

According to the officials, the contract represents a key milestone in Cameroon’s pursuit of energy security and sustainability, setting the stage for continued growth in the sector, while easing the financial burden on the state and ensuring a reliable energy supply for the nation.

 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3241 of Thursday September 26, 2024

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