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  • Shuangjiangkou hydropower project: World’s tallest dam begins storing water in China

    Shuangjiangkou hydropower project: World’s tallest dam begins storing water in China

    China is nearing completion of the Shuangjiangkou hydropower project, set to become the world’s tallest dam. On May 1, 2025, the project reached a significant milestone by initiating water storage.

    Project factsheet

    • Location: Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China

    • Height: 315 metres

    • Reservoir capacity: 110 million cubic metres

    • Installed capacity: 2,000 megawatts

    • Annual electricity generation: Approximately 7.7 billion kilowatt-hours

    • Construction cost: 36 billion yuan (US$4.9 billion)

    • Construction start date: 2013

    • Expected commissioning: First unit by end of 2025

    The Shuangjiangkou Dam is being constructed on the Dadu River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River. Upon completion, it will surpass the Jinping-I Dam, also located in Sichuan, by 10 metres to become the tallest dam globally.

    The primary objectives of the dam include power generation and flood control. The hydropower station will house four 500 MW Francis turbine-generators, collectively producing enough electricity to power over three million homes annually.

    In addition to energy production, the dam is designed to mitigate flood risks in the region. Its substantial reservoir capacity will allow for effective management of water flow, thereby protecting downstream communities during periods of heavy rainfall.

    READ ALSO: Spain backs Africa’s biggest desalination plant in Casablanca with €340 million

    Shuangjiangkou hydropower project shows China’s skill, tech and green effort

    The construction of the Shuangjiangkou Dam has presented significant engineering challenges due to its high-altitude location, over 2,400 metres above sea level, and complex geological conditions. To address these issues, advanced technologies such as robotics and 5G-enabled systems have been employed. Robotic rollers equipped with sensors collect real-time data to optimise construction performance, while drones monitor environmental risks around the site.

    China leads the world in dam construction, having built over 22,000 dams taller than 15 metres since the 1950s, accounting for nearly half of the global total. The completion of the Shuangjiangkou hydropower project will further solidify China’s position as a global leader in hydropower development.

    Environmental considerations have been integral to the project’s development. The renewable energy produced by Shuangjiangkou hydropower project is expected to offset approximately 2.96 million tonnes of coal consumption annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 7.18 million tonnes. This contribution aligns with China’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and combating climate change.

  • African Development Bank approves €26.5 million for Sokodé solar power plant

    African Development Bank approves €26.5 million for Sokodé solar power plant

    The African Development Bank Group has approved €26.5 million to build a new solar power plant in Sokodé, Togo. The project will help the country move towards clean energy and improve access to electricity.

    Project factsheet

    • Project: Sokodé solar power plant

    • Location: Sokodé, Togo

    • Output: 62 MWp capacity

    • Funding: €26.5 million from AfDB (African Development Bank)

    • Additional funding: PROPACO, French development finance agency

    • Annual energy generation: 87 GWh

    • CO₂ savings: Around 13.6 thousand tonnes yearly

    • Transmission line: 11 km

    • Project type: Greenfield

    • Technology: Solar photovoltaic (PV)

    • Developer: Électricité de France

    The funding includes two parts. First, an €18.5 million loan from the African Development Bank. Second, an €8 million concessional loan from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), which is managed by the bank.

    PROPACO, the French development group, will also support the project. In total, the Sokodé solar power plant will cost about €61 million. It shows a strong example of public and private groups working together.

    READ ALSO: Scatec Commences Construction of 1.1GW Obelisk Solar PV and BESS Project in Egypt

    The Sokodé solar power plant will boost Togo’s clean energy goals and cut reliance on fossil fuels

    This solar plant will help Togo reach its goal of installing 200 MWp of renewable power by 2030. At the moment, the country still depends heavily on fossil fuels. The new plant will reduce this dependence and offer cheaper and greener power.

    Kevin Kariuki, a Vice President at the African Development Bank, praised the project. He said it supports clean energy, creates jobs, and improves energy security for people in Togo.

    Électricité de France will design, build, and run the plant. It will also set up an 11 km line to carry the electricity. Once working, the plant will produce enough energy to power thousands of homes. It will also reduce harmful emissions and help with Togo’s climate targets.

    The plant is part of the M300 energy compact. This national plan wants all people in Togo to have access to electricity by 2030. It also aims to get more private firms involved in green energy.

  • A look at the Bent Tree Wind Farm expansion Project

    A look at the Bent Tree Wind Farm expansion Project

    Alliant Energy has announced plans to expand its existing Bent Tree Wind Farm in Freeborn County, Minnesota. The expansion will result in a new facility, the Bent Tree North Wind Farm, projected to generate an additional 153 megawatts (MW) of power—enough to supply electricity to at least 50,000 homes each year.

    Location and Scope of Expansion
    The proposed project will span 60 square miles and is located approximately 15 miles north of Albert Lea, near Hartland, along State Highway 13. It adds to the original Bent Tree Wind Farm, which has been operational since February 2011.

    Current Operations and Regional Context
    The current Farm operates 122 Vestas V82 1.65 MW turbines, generating roughly 200 MW of electricity. It stands among the largest wind farms in Minnesota, alongside the Buffalo Ridge (225 MW), Fenton (205.5 MW), Nobles (201 MW), and Odell (200 MW) wind farms.

    Refurbishment Also Planned
    Alongside the expansion, Alliant Energy is preparing for a full site refurbishment of the Bent Tree Wind Farm in Manchester and Hartland. This long-term project is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025 and continue through November 2027.

    Presentation to Local Officials
    Details of the project were shared in March during a workshop with the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners by Richard Miller, senior strategic project manager at Alliant Energy, and Greg Kaelberer, site manager of the Bent Tree Wind Farm.

    Wind Power Faces Political Headwinds
    The expansion comes amid national debates over renewable energy, with wind power often caught in political crosswinds. President Donald Trump’s administration opposition contrasts with growing investments in wind projects across states like Minnesota, where utility companies continue to push forward with renewable energy as part of broader climate and energy strategies.

  • Washington releases funding for Mobile River Bridge Project Alabama

    Washington releases funding for Mobile River Bridge Project Alabama

    MOBILE, Ala. — The long-anticipated I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project has taken a major leap forward, as federal authorities commit to fast-tracking construction funding and preparation activities.

    The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced this week that it will disburse a $550 million Bridge Investment Program grant originally awarded in 2024. This move follows the project’s inclusion in a list of 180 infrastructure efforts prioritized for streamlined permitting and funding.

    “This is another positive step toward the completion of the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project,” said Tony Harris, spokesperson for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). “We appreciate the commitment from Secretary Sean Duffy and the Trump administration to expedite the completion of the funding process.”

    Project Scope: New Bridge and Wider Bayway

    The project includes the construction of a new cable-stayed bridge over the Mobile River and the widening of the I-10 Bayway, a key corridor for Gulf Coast travel and freight. Once completed, the project is expected to:

    • Ease traffic congestion on I-10 through Mobile Bay

    • Enhance safety and reliability for travelers

    • Improve transport of hazardous materials

    • Reduce disruptions to Mobile’s maritime operations

    Joint Venture Takes Charge

    ALDOT has confirmed that the Kiewit Massman Traylor (KMT) joint venture, already tasked with designing the bridge, will continue to lead construction. The firm has initiated pre-construction testing, including a Pile Load Test Program to assess the foundation’s stability.

    Testing will take place between May and August at six sites along the proposed bridge route. Work will occur during daylight hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and will not impact I-10 traffic, ALDOT confirmed.

    Also Read: Construction on 500-Acre RailPort Logistics Mobile, Alabama

    Political Spotlight on Funding Timeline

    While the grant was first awarded under the Biden administration in 2024, U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) criticized delays linked to a temporary funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration.

    “It’s unfortunate that this funding was delayed… but I’m glad to see this money is finally flowing to Mobile,” Figures said in a statement.

    Construction Start Expected by Year-End

    Before major construction can commence, ALDOT must finalize two critical items:

    • A guaranteed maximum price agreement with the contractor

    • Completion of the TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) loan process

    Officials remain optimistic that groundbreaking can take place before the end of 2025.

    FACTSHEET: Mobile River Bridge Project

    Project Name:
    I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Widening Project

    Location:
    Mobile, Alabama

    Key Features:

    • New cable-stayed bridge over the Mobile River

    • Widened I-10 Bayway corridor

    • Improved safety and traffic capacity

    Lead Agency:
    Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)

    Design & Construction Team:
    Kiewit Massman Traylor (KMT) joint venture

    Federal Support:

    • $550 million Bridge Investment Program grant (USDOT)

    • TIFIA loan process underway

    Timeline Highlights:

    • Pile load testing: May–August 2025

    • Construction groundbreaking expected: Late 2025

    Traffic Impact:
    No traffic disruptions expected during initial testing phase

  • KeNHA Resumes Construction on the 122-Kilometer Mamboleo Junction-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Highway

    KeNHA Resumes Construction on the 122-Kilometer Mamboleo Junction-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Highway

    The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has resumed the construction works on the Ksh15.7 billion Mamboleo Junction-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Highway. This road project had stalled due to insufficient funds.

    According to the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, who spoke during an inspection tour of the 122 kilometre project on Thursday, May 8, clarified that the funding shortage on the road project had since been addressed.

    Also read: Kenya’s €1.3 Billion Nairobi-Nakuru Dual-Carriageway Deal to be Awarded to a Chinese Contractor

    Mamboleo Junction-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Highway Project Factsheet

    Length: 122 kilometers

    Implementing agency: Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)

    Total estimated cost: Ksh 15.7 billion

    Funding: National Treasury

    Contractors:

    • Lot 1 (Mamboleo Junction – Miwani): China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group Ltd (33.9 km, Ksh 5.2 billion)
    • Lot 2 (Miwani – Chemelil): Sinohydro JV with Grageb Agencies (43.4 km, Ksh 4.96 billion)
    • Lot 3 (Chemelil – Kipsitet): H. Young EA Ltd (44.7 km, Ksh 5.7 billion)

    Commencement date: October 2022

    Expected completion: The entire 122 km is expected to significantly boost mobility, trade, and economic integration upon completion. Individual lot completion timelines may vary.

    All Stalled Road Projects to be Completed Countrywide

    Additionally, he highlighted that the government recently released adequate funds that would be used to cater for the construction of all stalled roads across the country. He also added to this by saying that all stalled roads in the country would be completed in the not-too-distant future.

    Also read: Usahihi Expressway Construction to Commence Next Year, Africa’s Largest Toll Road Project

    “The government has now unlocked the funding challenge for the road sector. This challenge has been a crisis over the past two years. Furthermore, all stalled roads in the country will be completed in the near future,” Owalo said.

    Also, according to Owalo, the construction of the highway was slated to be a crucial game-changer in the region. This is because it would unlock the economic potential of the entire sugar belt and boost regional trade.

    First Phase of the Project

    The first phase of the highway project, which is currently under construction, is the 33.9-kilometre stretch between Mamboleo Junction and Miwani. This section alone is expected to cost Ksh5.2 billion.

    Second and Third Phase

    Furthermore, the second phase of the project will entail the construction of the 43.4-kilometre stretch between Miwani and Chemelil. This highway section is expected to cost Ksh4.96 billion. Lastly the third phase of the highway project will entail the construction of a 44.7-kilometre stretch between Chemelil and Kipsitet.

    Significance of the Mamboleo Junction-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Highway Project

    The Cabinet Secretary of Transport Davis Chirchir noted that the resumption of road construction projects indicited a renewed commitment to enhancing Kenya’s general road network infrastructure.

    “This road initiative holds significant promise for improving transportation across the country. Additionally, it is expected to enable Kenyans experience more efficient and seamless connectivity,” the CS commented.

    He went on to add, “The resumption of work will significantly contribute to increased employment opportunities across the sector. Employment will range from direct employment by the projects, to service providers or suppliers to the contractors and their employees.”

    Also read: Kenya Secures $215 Million El Wak-Rhamu Road Construction Funding

  • Construction to begin on first SMR at Darlington Nuclear Site, Ontario

    Construction to begin on first SMR at Darlington Nuclear Site, Ontario

    Construction has begun on the first of four small nuclear reactors (SMR) in Ontario, Canada.  Estimated to cost US$4.38 billion, the reactor is located on a nuclear site in Clarington, Ontario and is part of the larger, US$15 billion Darlington New Nuclear Project. Furthermore, the small modular reactor, BWRX-300 is expected to generate enough clean electricity to over 300,000 homes. Commercially available uranium will be used on site to generate the energy. This plant is the first in the G7 to be deployed at the site. Ontario Power Generation expects that the project will reach commercial operation by 2030. 

    Also Read: Plans underway for one of the largest affordable housing projects in Ontario

    Site preparation for the Darlington New Nuclear project began in December 2022. The licence to construct the unit was awarded by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in April of this year. Over 80 companies in the province have signed agreements with Ontario Power Generation to deliver this project. In addition, Kiewit Nuclear Canada and Aecon have signed a US$1.3 billion alliance construction contract for the execution phase of the nuclear project. Further, the partnership will be working with GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and AtkinsRéalis to deliver the Darlington New Nuclear Project. 

    Project Overview

    Location: Clarington, Ontario

    Project cost: US$15 billion

    Nuclear reactor model: BWRX-300

    Commercial operation date: 2030

    Developers: Kiewit Nuclear Canada, Aecon, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, AtkinsRéalis

    Benefits of the SMR Darlington New Nuclear Ontario Project

    In addition to the 300,000 homes supplied with energy from the project, Canadian’s will benefit from 18,000 jobs created directly and indirectly through the project. Additionally, $500 million is expected to be injected into the economy annually thanks to this project. In total, CAD$38.5 billion will be added to the country’s GDP over the next 6 years during the construction, operation and maintenance of the Darlington New Nuclear Project. Compared with other non-emitting generation alternatives, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has identified the Darlington New Nuclear Project as the most cost-effective and least risky option, for meeting the growing electricity demand, which is set to increase by 75% by 2050.

    Also Read China and Russia Make Plans on Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant on the Moon