Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is set to construct the National Dispatch Centre in the west African nation of Guinea at an estimated cost of AED66mn.
The centre will bolster energy control efforts, help stabilise the Guinean national electrical grid, and bring power to the nation. Moreover, the project aligns with the West African Power Pool (WAPP) programme that aims to provide electricity supply and facilitate cross-border power exchange, said senior officials at the official cornerstone-laying ceremony of Guineas National Dispatch Centre held in the presence of Guinean President Alpha Condé and Prime Minister Mamady Youla.
A total of $90mn Abu Dhabi government grant had been earmarked for development projects across the country in 2013. The grant seeks to boost socio-economic development across the country and help strengthen electricity supply for more than 10 million Guineans. The funds contribution will cover 80 per cent of the projects total cost, they added.
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of ADFD, said: “We are proud to support the Guinean government with this new strategic project. This latest endeavour is part of the funds tailored energy portfolio for the West African region. Previously, ADFD contributed more than $20 million towards the construction of two power stations, Tombo I and Tombo II, in the Guinean capital, Conakry. Both stations are now complete and produce about 60 megawatts of energy in total.”
According to him, ADFDs support for the National Dispatch Centre re-affirms its commitment to financing projects that elevate living standards, promote sustainable socio-economic growth and equip Guinea with a reliable national grid capable of supplying, transmitting and exchanging electricity across the region.