China National Electric Engineering (www.cneec.com.cn) has chosen Alstom (www.alstom.com)to provide electro-mechanical equipment and technical services for the Zungeru Hydropower Project in Nigeria.

Alstom will provide four 175MW Francis turbine-generator sets and related equipment for this project, while Alstom Hydro China (AHC) is responsible for the equipment design and production, supervision of the installation, commissioning, testing and site services.

Located on the middle and upper reaches of the River Kaduna, the Zungeru Hydropower Project will become China’s largest hydro-power project once operated, with a total installed capacity of 700MW.

Apart from providing a large amount of power, the project will also be of benefit to local flood protection, irrigation and shipping.

Yves Rannou, vice-president of Alstom Renewable Energies, said: “Zungeru is one of several hydro projects that are part of Nigeria’s renewable energy master plan. Winning this project is another fruitful result from a strong and long-term co-operation with our Chinese partners.

“It further consolidates Alstom's leading position in Africa’s hydro-power market and paves the way to further successes. We are proud to contribute to the economic growth in this region.”

Alstom is a leading supplier of hydro-power generation equipment and systems, with more than 25% of the global hydro-power installed capacity. Its technology is central to many record-breaking hydro-power plants, including the world’s five highest-capacity installations.

Meanwhile, AHC has accumulated a 20% share of China’s large hydro market.