Cambambe Dam Heightening and Rehabilitation Project
Enhancing Power Generation Capacity and Upgrading Spillway Systems
The Cambambe Arch Dam, originally constructed in 1962 with a height of 60 meters, has been a vital part of the region's power infrastructure. The dam operated with a free-flow spillway since its commissioning, continuously supporting the existing Cambambe 1 power plant. To further enhance the energy production, the dam was heightened by 28 meters, increasing Cambambe 1's power output from 180 MW to 260 MW and enabling the construction of a new 700 MW Cambambe 2 power plant.
The dam heightening project included significant upgrades to the flood evacuation system. A new set of five fixed-roller gated orifice spillways (5.2 m high and 9.5 m wide each) were installed at the center of the dam, directing discharge to the downstream plunge pool. In addition, a lateral spillway was constructed, and the total flood evacuation capacity was increased to 9,000 m³/s.
The first impoundment of the heightened dam occurred in June 2016, with the reservoir fluctuating near the full supply level of 130 masl. Temporary lowering to 100.5 masl took place in 2019 to facilitate secondary joint grouting.
Gruner's involvement spanned multiple phases of the project, from feasibility studies and design stages to detailed construction plans and site support. Gruner provided key services in:
- Geological investigations, rock mechanics, and dam foundation stability.
- Hydrology and water resource management.
- Hydraulic model testing for plunge pool and spillway design validation.
- Monitoring and assessment of dam behavior, as well as concrete technology for dam heightening.
- Design and analysis of hydraulic structures, including the spillway and plunge pool.
This comprehensive modernization ensures the Cambambe Dam continues to serve as a reliable source of hydroelectric power while meeting modern safety and performance standards.
Services
- Dam Design services