112.9 MW Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station in Côte d’Ivoire is operational as of 2026 following the successful commissioning of all three generating units in 2024 through 2025. The facility, developed on the Sassandra River in the Bas-Sassandra District, is now playing an increasingly strategic role in strengthening the country’s renewable energy mix, supporting regional electricity exports and reducing dependence on thermal generation.
Recent 2026 development highlights the project’s growing economic and social impact. This includes local workforce development, expanded clean-energy contribution to the national grid and its integration into Côte d’Ivoire’s wider Sassandra River basin hydropower cascade plan. Côte d’Ivoire’s domestic energy input is also set to benefit from other developments including Phase 3 of the Baleine oil and gas project whose increased gas production will be allocated to the domestic market.
Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station Project Overview
Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station project forms part of Côte d’Ivoire’s long-term plan to expand installed generation capacity while increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix. Located approximately 15 km downstream of the 275 MW Soubré Hydropower Plant, the station is one of several planned hydropower schemes along the Sassandra River system.
Developed with financing support from the Export-Import Bank of China and constructed by POWERCHINA/Sinohydro, the project reinforces growing infrastructure cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and China in the power sector.
Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station Project Fact Sheet
Location: Sassandra River, Bas-Sassandra District, Côte d’Ivoire
Installed Capacity: 112.9 MW
Generating Units: 3 units of 37.63 MW axial-flow turbines
Project Type: Conventional storage hydropower plant
Reservoir Capacity: Approximately 82 million m3
Dam Type: Earth-fill and gravity dam system
Commercial Operation: 2024-2025 phased commissioning
Project Cost: Approx. US$308 million
Primary Contractor: POWERCHINA / Sinohydro
Owner/Developer: Government of Côte d’Ivoire through CI-Energies
Primary Financier: Export-Import Bank of China
Annual Generation: Approximately 554-580 GWh
Transmission Infrastructure: 225 kV evacuation lines connecting to the Soubré-San Pedro transmission corridor
Strategic Purpose: Renewable energy expansion, grid stabilization and regional electricity
Project Development Timeline
2017-2018: Project planning and EPC structuring advanced
2021: Major construction activities commenced
June 2024: Initial grid connection and trial operations completed
July 2024: Commercial operation phase initiated
November 2024: Final generating unit synchronized to grid
2025: Full commercial operations
Project Team
Project Owner: CI-Energies
EPC Contractor: PowerChina
Construction Partner: Sinohydro
Engineering Consultant: Tractebel
Financial Partner: Export-Import Bank of China
Government Stakeholder: Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy of Côte d’Ivoire
Regional Grid Partner: West Africa Power Pool
West Africa’s 554 GWh Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station in Cote d’Ivoire Commences Commercial Operations
Reported June 10, 2024 – West Africa’s 554GWh Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station in Cote d’Ivoire takes shape as its first unit comes to life. The contracted company, Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA), announced that the first unit of the 112.9 MW Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station has officially entered commercial operations. The hydropower station is on the Sassandra River in the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire’s Soubre province. The project completed a 72-hour trial operation last week, achieving grid connection and power generation ahead of schedule. Furthermore, this success will expedite economic and social development in Cote d’Ivoire. It will also balance income and expenditure in the power sector, significantly improving residents’ livelihoods. Moreover, once completed, the hydropower plant is expected to generate close to 554 GWh annually. This endeavor will position Cote d’Ivoire as a major powerhouse in West Africa.
The Gribo-Popoli Hydropower as One of West Africa’s Anticipated Projects.
Once fully operational, the Gribo-Popoli Hydropower station is expected to benefit not only its host country but its neighbors as well. The project is located downstream from the POWERCHINA-completed Soubre Hydropower Station. The station has three cross-flow units and a storage capacity of 82 million m3. The dam is 4.2 km long with a maximum height of about 18.58 m. Work on the project officially began in August 2021. The project is also being developed by Sinohydro and is currently owned by Societe d’Operation Ivoirienne d’Electricite.
Once put into full operation, the project will help Cote d’Ivoire achieve its dual carbon emission reduction goals. Furthermore, it will facilitate the generation of additional energy to support neighboring countries. The country will enhance its role as a key energy provider in West Africa by providing surplus electricity, benefiting the entire region. For this reason, the project is one that West Africa keenly eyes on its full operationalization.
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“This is a key project in the implementation of Cote d’Ivoire’s clean energy development strategy that will make a positive contribution to the expansion of the country’s power supply and foreign exports,” said Gribo-Popoli Hydropower Station General Manager Noumory Sidibe. The Gribo-Popoli project integrates deeply with the local community, providing significant assistance. Moreover, the project team has repaired roads and built primary schools. The repaired road section, crucial for its high traffic, connects St. Mary’s Medical Clinic and the Total Energy gas station. This ensures that the project revolutionizes not only the power industry but also the local infrastructure within the province. The project construction commenced in 2021 and is anticipated to enter into optimal commercial operation by 2027.
Other Significant Energy Projects in West Africa
Apart from the successful power grid implementation of the Gribo-Popoli Hydropower station, West Africa seeks to diversify its energy sources. One of the major energy projects is Mali’s deal with Russia-based Rosatom for a nuclear power plant project. Mali is currently facing an energy crisis that is causing numerous economic downsides. The nation seeks to diversify its energy source other than its reliance on hydroelectric energy as its main power source. Upon completion, the nuclear power plant is expected to facilitate mitigating the nation’s energy crisis. Furthermore, it will facilitate adding more of Mali’s citizens to the grid so they can access cheap and affordable electricity.
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