PAD’s 628 billion FCFA power plant project kicks off March.

According to management, this is a decisive step in the corporation´s modernisation strategy that envisages constant and uninterrupted power supply, backed by a strong large-scale public-private partnership.

By ensuring a sustainable supply of energy to this strategic economic hub, management expressed optimism that the corporation´s regional competitiveness would be strengthened.

Describing it as one of the most ambitious projects in the Bonaberi industrial zone of the economic capital in its recent history, management stated that it is seeking to offset significant pressure on the urban grid and growing needs linked to the intensification of varied logistics activities.

Management also announced that the project has a capacity to supply 300 megawatts, which will not only secure port operations, but also, in the long term, generate a surplus that will be fed into the Douala City grid.

On the estimated cost of 628 billion FCFA, management explained that the project is governed by an agreement signed on September 12, 2025, between PAD, and Douala Port Power Corporation SA, DPPC, designated as the project owner.

Management further explained that it is a 25-year public-private partnership of the Build-Operate-Transfer type, at the end of which the infrastructure will revert to public ownership. 

The chosen model, management added, provides for financing entirely by the DPPC, without any financial guarantee from PAD or the Cameroon government, a point regularly emphasised by both authorities. 

The construction of the power plant, management announced, was awarded to a consortium of Chinese companies under an EPC contract, with GENERTEC CMC leading the consortium, alongside China Energy, while JD Group is acting as consulting engineer.

The Port Authority of Dakar is providing project management assistance, aimed at ensuring that the project complies with management´s development master plan. 

Meanwhile, the financing involves the Chinese government and several banking institutions, with CCA Bank acting as lead lender.

The works, which are scheduled to last for 36 months, management further stated, will be carried out in two distinct phases. 

The first consists of the construction of a 102 MW power plant, connected to a gas pipeline linking Kribi to Douala, for an estimated investment of 397 billion FCFA.

The second phase, spread over a decade, will gradually increase the installed capacity to 300 MW, thanks to an additional investment of 230 billion FCFA.

Beyond energy efficiency, management noted that, the project has major strategic significance. 

According to the Director General of PAD, Cyrus Ngo´o, delivery of the entire project must guarantee a reliable, continuous power supply that meets international standards, while reducing economic losses due to frequent power outages. 

The Director General added that energy independence is also seen as a lever for competitiveness, strengthening the port of Douala´s position as a leading maritime hub in Central Africa. 

The promoters also announced that the project will create more than 1,100 direct and indirect jobs, as well as secure sustainable financial benefits for PAD and the Cameroonian government through the sale of the electricity produced.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3700 of Tuesday February 10, 2026