Mphanda Nkuwa Dam

Mphanda Nkuwa Dam is a proposed hydroelectric dam on the Zambezi River in Mozambique. The dam would be located about 60 kilometres (37 mi) downstream of the existing Cahora Bassa Dam near the city of Tete. Its power station would have a capacity of 1,500 megawatts.[1]

Mphanda Nkuwa Dam
Location of Mphanda Nkuwa Dam in Mozambique
CountryMozambique
Coordinates15°59′59″S 33°26′05″E
Dam and spillways
Type of damConcrete gravity
ImpoundsZambezi River
Height103 m (338 ft)
Reservoir
Surface area97 km2 (37 sq mi)
Maximum length60 km (37 mi)
Installed capacity1,500 MW

The dam would be 103 metres (338 ft) high[2] and flood approximately 97 square kilometres (24,000 acres) of the Zambezi valley.[1] The estimated cost of the project is US$4.2 billion.[3] Once the dam is completed, it is expected that most of the generated power will be sold to South Africa, because of the lack of transmission infrastructure in Mozambique.[1]

The proposed dam is highly controversial because it would force the relocation of 1,400 families, and affect the livelihoods of a further 200,000 people downriver. Because the dam would be operated on a peaking basis, large daily fluctuations in river flow would ruin existing irrigation systems and affect aquaculture in the river's extensive delta.[2] The United Nations has described this project as the "least environmentally acceptable major dam project in Africa."[4]

In 2015, the Mozambique government announced it would start construction of the dam. The construction was contracted to Camargo Corrêa of Brazil, INSITEC of Mozambique, and Electricidade de Moçambique.[3] In 2020, Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi wished construction of the dam started before 2024.[5]

References
  1. Machena, Yolanda; Maposa, Sibonginkosi (2013-06-13). "Zambezi Basin Dam Boom Threatens Delta". International Rivers. Retrieved 2014-06-22.
  2. http://mg.co.za/article/2013-11-22-00-zuma-guebuza-ignore-effect-of-new-hydro-dam-on-residents
  3. "New dams add 3,600 megawatts of power production in Mozambique". Macauhub. 2015-03-25. Retrieved 2017-06-14.
  4. http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/debate-over-dams-on-africas-zambezi-river/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0
  5. DGA. "Construção da Hidroeléctrica de Mphanda Nkuwa deve iniciar até 2024". @Verdade Online (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2020-04-11.
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