Volobe Hydropower Plant

Madagascar

Africa50-Project Development

Volobe is a 120MW hydropower plant under construction on the Ivondro river, 40 kilometers from Toamasina, Madagascar, to be operated under a 35-year concession. The project also includes the development of a transmission line, refurbishment of the access road, and infrastructure for the neighbouring villages.

€100m

estimated savings per year for the national utility

+20%

expected increase in country’s electricity generation capacity

1000

Direct jobs during construction phase

Africa50's Role

Africa50 acquired 25% equity stake in Compagnie Générale d’Hydroélectricité de Volobe (CGHV), the project manager.

Partners

Africa50, Jovena (Axian Group), SN Power, and Colas

Impact

Development

Volobe seeks to provide reliable and affordable electricity access to over two million Malagasy, thereby contributing to the country’s transition towards renewable energy.
When operational, the project is expected to increase the country’s electricity generation capacity by approximately 20%.
The plant will displace expensive and polluting diesel generation, resulting in cost savings of more than 50% for the utility. Potential cost savings for Jirama (Malagasy state-owned utility company) to be derived through the substitution of the energy source is expected to be around 100 million Euros per year (the size of Jirama’s current deficit).

Environment

The plant will help satisfy base loads, facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable power into the country’s network.
The environmental and social impacts of the project are limited for a project of this nature.