Mali Signs New Energy Agreements with PowerChina

Discover how Mali's new agreements with PowerChina aim to enhance the energy sector through renewable projects and infrastructure development. Explore the strategic partnership's impact on Mali's energy capacity and economic growth.

On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Mali took a significant step towards enhancing its energy sector by signing new agreements with the Chinese energy construction giant, PowerChina. The President of the transitional phase, His Excellency Colonel Assimi Goïta, visited PowerChina, also known as Sinohydro, to witness a presentation that highlighted the company's history and areas of intervention, particularly in energy, infrastructure, road and transport infrastructure, industrial chains, green mining, green empowerment, digitization, and renewable energies.

PowerChina's Major Projects in Mali

PowerChina has been instrumental in executing major projects in Mali, including:

• Gouina Hydroelectric Dam: A significant source of renewable energy.
• Félou Hydroelectric Dam: Enhancing Mali's energy capacity.
• Expansion of President Modibo Keita International Airport: Completed in 2017, improving transportation infrastructure.

Strategic Meeting and Future Plans

The visit concluded with a meeting between the transitional president and PowerChina's CEO, Mr. Chen Guanfu, which extended to other members of both delegations. During a working session, Mr. Chen presented the company's 2023 statistics, emphasizing PowerChina's diverse interventions in energy, infrastructure, transport, and digital technology. The company operates in 130 countries, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with a presence in Africa dating back to the 1960s.

Key Points from the Meeting

• Diverse Interventions: Energy, infrastructure, transport, and digital technology.
• Global Presence: Operations in 130 countries.
• Historical Presence in Africa: Since the 1960s.

Statements from Mali's Minister of Energy and Water

Following the visit, Mali's Minister of Energy and Water, Mrs. Pinto Camara, addressed the press, highlighting PowerChina's role as a crucial partner for Mali. She noted the company's successful execution of several projects, including the Félou and Gouina dams and the airport expansion. Currently, negotiations are underway for several new projects, including the Savo plant in two phases: Savo 1 with a capacity of 50 megawatts and Savo 2 with a capacity of 55 megawatts, expected to be completed within two years.

Ongoing and Future Projects

• Savo Plant: Two phases with a combined capacity of 105 megawatts.
• Kéni Dam: Now to be built by Sinohydro.
• Fana Plant: 100 megawatts, memorandum signed on August 19.
• Strategic Partnership: Aiming for 300 to 400 megawatts with Sinohydro for offices 15 and 16.

Mrs. Camara emphasized the importance of elevating Mali to a strategic partner status, which will expedite project completion. She also highlighted the need for the Chinese side to make additional efforts, as the commercial contract for Savo 1 is ready but delayed due to the absence of a financial company, a matter expected to be resolved soon.

Financial Protocol and Future Developments

Finally, Mrs. Camara mentioned that the Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Alhassane Sano, will sign a financial protocol with Exim Bank for the construction of Savo 2, concerning 55 megawatts. These projects are advancing rapidly, providing reassurance as the combined projects represent approximately 300 megawatts.

Financial Agreements

• Exim Bank Protocol: For Savo 2, 55 megawatts.
• Rapid Progress: Combined projects nearing 300 megawatts.

As Mali continues to forge strategic partnerships and develop its energy infrastructure, these agreements with PowerChina mark a pivotal moment in the nation's journey towards sustainable energy and economic growth.

By leveraging these strategic partnerships, Mali aims to accelerate its energy projects and enhance its position as a key player in the region's energy landscape.