ALSTOM HAS SIGNED A contract valued at US$40.4M with Hidroelectrica de Cahora Bassa SA (HCB), for the complete refurbishment of the Cahora Bassa hydro power station (5 x 415 MW), located on the Zambezi river near Songo in the Tete province of Mozambique.

The turnkey contract covers the rehabilitation of turbine, generator, electrical balance of plant, hydro-mechanical equipment and supply of control systems for two central control operator stations, as well as training of local staff. This comprehensive modernisation and automation programme is needed to meet increasing electricity demands in the region.

The project will be managed by alstom‘s Hydro division in France, equipment and components being supplied from the company’s manufacturing facilities in Grenoble and Belfort, France, and in Lisbon, Portugal. The engineering work has already started and site work is expected to begin in April 2003. The first unit is scheduled for commissioning in October 2003 and the final unit in June 2004.