Lauca: Angola’s largest energy producer

On July 6th, Laúca Hydroelectric Plant’s fifth generator initiated commercial operation, reaching a capacity of 1,670 MW. With this installed capacity, Laúca surpasses the sum of Capanda (520 MW) and Cambambe (960 MW), until recently the main hydroelectric power plants of Angola. Since initiating operation, in August 2017, Laúca has been responsible for supplying 45% of the energy demand of the country’s interconnected power system. In addition, the plant has a strong contribution to the stability of the national electricity system, with a 94% drop in blackouts and a 55% reduction in fossil fuel consumption.

The Operation and Maintenance of Laúca HPP is carried out jointly by PRODEL-EP and OEC, in a continuous process of technology transfer and qualification of the national technical staff. Consequently, the reliability and efficiency in the operation of the Laúca HPP exceeds 99% in the Generator Set Availability Index, a figure above the international market reference for the same size plants.

More than 300 km of energy transmission lines at 400 kV already connect Laúca with the main centers of consumption of the country. Currently, the construction of more than 450km of Transport Lines and Substations is underway.