3 projects illustrating the expertise of EDF’s Hydro Engineering Centre in Africa
EDF’s hydro-engineering function has at its disposal a world-renowned corpus of expertise, know-how and innovative talent. Our expertise covers the entire lifespan of hydroelectric facilities, supporting both public and private customers.
Learn more about the expertise and skills of EDF Hydro Engineering in Africa, illustrated by 3 flagship projects.
Gabon
Technical assistance for the Société d'Energie et d'Eau du Gabon (SEEG)
The hydro plants included in this project are crucial to SEEG’s interests: 70% of the company’s sales come from the sale of electrical power. The reports submitted by EDF Hydro Engineering assess the condition of these facilities and recommend appropriate maintenance plans.
Our hydro-engineering experts support the SEEG’s economic and technical objectives:
- Multi-disciplinary technical assistance (civil works, monitoring of structures, electrical and mechanical, industrial IT, automation and control).
- Short-term, medium-term and long-term maintenance
- Regular inspections to monitor the condition of structures and recommend preventive actions
- Theoretical and practical training delivered in France and Gabon

Zambia
Project ownership assistance at Kariba North
The EDF Hydro Engineering Centre provided project ownership assistance through the coordination of multiple stakeholders: Zambian customers, Chinese manufacturers, Indian partners, English and South-African sub-contractors.
With support from the Group’s subsidiaries, we were able to:
- Harness the requisite skills located in Europe, Africa and Asia
- Progress the project whilst controlling costs
We are continuing to assist the project owner (ZESCO) by providing operational advice and support.

Cameroon
Nachtigal : Reliable and affordable electricity to meet the country’s needs
With a capacity of 420 MW, Nachtigal Amont is the biggest hydropower project in Cameroon. This strategic project has been developed by a Cameroonian company, the Nachtigal Hydro Power Company (NHPC). Its shareholders include EDF, the Republic of Cameroon and the International Finance Corporation.
EDF’s Hydro Engineering Centre is providing its expertise in support of a technically viable project, the costs and schedule of which were consolidated by the end of the bidding process.
Since the summer of 2018, one of our teams is on site overseeing construction.
