Voith Secures Major Contract to Equip Angola’s Caculo Cabaça Hydropower Plant

Energy in Angola

(IN BRIEF) Voith, a technology company, is set to supply electrical and mechanical equipment for Angola’s Caculo Cabaça hydropower plant. The order includes the installation of turbines, generators, control systems, and training programs. Located on the Kwanza River, the plant will contribute 2,172 MW to Angola’s energy grid, increasing access to electricity for its population. Voith has a long history of involvement in African hydropower projects and is committed to local capacity building. The company also arranged a tailored financing package for the Republic of Angola to support the project’s sustainability.

(PRESS RELEASE) HEIDENHEIM, 19-Jun-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The Voith Group, a global technology company, is gearing up to provide all electrical and mechanical equipment for the ambitious Caculo Cabaça hydropower plant in Angola, marking a significant step toward a more reliable energy supply for the African nation. The comprehensive order encompasses the installation of four 530 MW Francis turbines, an additional 52 MW Francis turbine, generators, control systems, auxiliary equipment, and a tailored training program.

Located on the Kwanza River in the province of Kwanza Norte, around 250 km southeast of the capital Luanda, the Caculo Cabaça plant is set to contribute 2,172 MW to Angola’s grid, with completion expected by the end of the decade. Following commissioning, approximately two-thirds of Angola’s energy needs will be met by hydropower.

“We are absolutely delighted to be contributing to this milestone project on the African continent,” commented Dr. Toralf Haag, Voith Group CEO.

This project, managed from Voith’s headquarters in Heidenheim, Germany, has presented both technological and logistical challenges. Voith has been a key player in hydropower development in Africa for over 90 years and has contributed to the region’s economic growth.

Voith’s involvement in prior Angolan hydropower projects, such as Cambambe I and Cambambe II, has underscored its commitment to local capacity building. For the Caculo Cabaça project, Voith has designed a six-stage training program for local workers and will operate a training center in Angola. The company plans to provide ongoing support for the project even after commissioning.

“We see ourselves as a partner for sustainable project implementation and provide support to plant operators and governments, from joint project development to the training of personnel,” said Dr. Tobias Keitel, President and CEO of Voith Hydro.

Voith has also structured a long-term, custom financing package with favorable terms for the Republic of Angola, facilitated by the German government and export credit guarantees, as well as support from a German banking consortium led by Commerzbank and UniCredit. Such financing arrangements are crucial for the sustainability of large infrastructure projects in Africa, especially during budget-constrained periods. The total order value for Voith exceeds USD 1 billion.

The Caculo Cabaça project represents a significant milestone for Angola as it seeks to improve and expand its energy supply to reach a larger segment of its population, particularly those in rural areas without access to electricity. The venture harnesses Africa’s abundant hydropower potential in a sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner. The surplus energy generated will help replace unsustainable energy sources and enhance critical infrastructure, including healthcare facilities. Additionally, Angola aims to export excess electricity to neighboring countries, contributing to regional economic development. During the main construction phase, the project is expected to create around 7,000 jobs for local workers, further benefiting the region.

The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 22,000 employees, sales of € 5.5 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

The Group Division Voith Hydro is part of the Voith Group and a leading full-line supplier as well as trusted partner for equipping hydropower plants. Voith develops customized, long-term solutions and services for large and small hydro plants all over the world. Its portfolio of products and services covers the entire life cycle and all major components for large and small hydro plants, from generators, turbines, pumps and automation systems, right through to spare parts, maintenance and training services, and digital solutions for intelligent hydropower.

Media contact:

Kathrin Göbel
Head of Communications Voith Hydro
t +49 7321 37-6866

SOURCE: Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA