Muzizi hydroelectric project, Uganda

16th June 2017 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

Muzizi hydroelectric project, Uganda

Name of the Project
Muzizi hydroelectric project.

Location
The project is located along the Muzizi river, in the Kibaale district of Uganda. However, the project’s footprint will extend to Kabarole, Kyenjojo and Ntooroko districts in the western part of Uganda.

Client
The project is being developed by the Uganda Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, including the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL), through a bilateral agreement with China.

Project Description
The proposed diversion hydroelectric project has a gross head of 454 m and a discharge of about 12 m3/s and consists of:
• access roads, operator’s housing, and related infrastructure;
• a concrete weir structure and reservoir;
• a 3-km- to 4-km-long concrete headrace channel;
• a surge bay or chamber;
• a 1 km steel penstock, with a diameter of about 2 m;
• a powerhouse containing two to three Pelton turbine/generator sets and tailrace channel;
• a high-voltage switchyard and 6 km transmission line; and
• balance of plant.

The project will have an installed capacity of 44.7 MW.

Jobs to Be Created
Not stated.

Value
The project is expected to cost about €70-million.

Duration
Ground breaking for the project is expected in early 2018, with the project expected to be commissioned in 2019.

Latest Developments
The additional geotechnical investigations for the new project layout and economic- and social-impact assessment studies are under way.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
ILF Consulting Engineers Austria (implementation engineer).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
UEGCL, tel +256 312 372165, fax +256 414251057 or email info@uegcl.co.ug.