Chishimba Hydroelectric Power Station
Chishimba Hydroelectric Power Station is a 15 megawatts (20,000 hp) hydroelectric power station that sits across the Luombe River in Zambia. The power station, first commissioned in 1959, was rehabilitated and expanded in 1971 and again expanded and modernized in the 2020s. This power station is owned by the Government of Zambia and is operated and maintained by Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO), the national electricity utility company. The energy generated here is distributed to the city of Kasama and other parts of Kasama District.[1][2]
| Isimba Hydroelectric Power Station | |
|---|---|
  Map of Zambia showing the location of Chishimba Falls.  Chishimba Hydroelectric Power Station (Africa) .svg.png.webp) Chishimba Hydroelectric Power Station (Earth) | |
| Country | Zambia |
| Location | Chishimba Falls, Kasama District |
| Coordinates | 10°07′08″S 30°54′52″E |
| Purpose | Power |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction cost | US$46 million |
| Owner(s) | Government of Zambia |
| Operator(s) | Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Luombe River |
| Turbines | 3 x 5 MW |
| Installed capacity | 15 megawatts (20,000 hp) |
| Annual generation | 73 GWh |
Location
The power station is located at Chishimba Falls, across the Luombe River, in Kasama District, in the Northern Province of Zambia. This is approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi), by road, northwest of the city of Kasama, the district and provincial capital.[3] The geographical coordinates of Chishimba HPP are: 10°07'08.0"S, 30°54'52.0"E (Latitude:-10.118889; Longitude:30.914444).[4]
History
The power station was first commissioned in 1959 with generation capacity of 0.9 MW. The power station went through rehabilitation and expansion, concluding in 1971, with new generating capacity of 6 MW.[1][2]
Rehabilitation and expansion in the 2020s
In November 2020, ZESCO, who own and operate the power station advertised for qualified consulting engineering firms to bid for the job of Owner's Engineer on the project of rehabilitation of the 6 MW power station and expansion to a new 15 MW powerhouse.[5]
Work involves converting part of the old power station into a tourist museum. Three new electric turbines, each rated at 5 MW will be installed, for a generation capacity calculated at 73 GWh annually. Two new switchyards one of 66 kV and he other of 33 kV will be constructed next to the powerhouse. High voltage transmission lines will connect these switchyards to the existing Kasama substation, where the power will integrate into the Zambian national grid.[5]
Funding for this work reported to amount to US$46 million has been sourced from KfW Development Bank.[1][2]
References
- Jean Marie Takouleu (18 September 2019). "Zambia: $46 million from KfW to renovate Chishimba hydroelectric power plant". Afrik21.africa. Paris, France. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
- Teresia Njoroge (15 August 2021). "Zambia to rehabilitate US $46m Chishimba falls power station". Construction Review Online. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
- Google (17 May 2022). "Road Distance Between Chishimba Falls, Zambia And Kasama, Zambia" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
- Google (17 May 2022). "Location of Chishimba Hydroelectric Power Station" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
- Journal On Hydropower and Dams (5 November 2020). "Owner's engineer sought for Chishimba Falls hydro project in Zambia". The International Journal On Hydropower and Dams. Wallington, Surrey, United Kingdom. Retrieved 17 May 2022.