The study is being carried out by German firm lahmeyer International and local firm CENMATS, on behalf of project developer Joule Africa. Work – to be completed in October 2012 – will include a full environmental and social impact study of the proposed dam site, hydrological studies, a topographical survey, geotechnical studies, and design work.
Joule Africa signed a MOU with the Government of Sierra Leone back in May 2011 to develop the second phase. Initial estimates put the incremental increase in power capacity at up to 350MW, bringing the total Bumbuna power capacity to 400MW. Sierra Leone currently has one of the lowest levels of electricity in Sub Saharan Africa at under 100MW.
Joule Africa is a member of the Joule Investments group, a California-based developer and owner and operator of hydroelectric power projects in emerging markets. It has been established to develop hydroelectric projects in Sub Saharan Africa with an initial focus on West Africa. The development of phase two of the Bumbuna project will be the first major project in the region.
