Intertechne is contributing to the modernization of the Cahora Bassa South Power Station (REABSUL2) in Mozambique, one of Africa’s major hydropower facilities. The contract began in October 2019, shortly before the global restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which shaped the project’s initial development in an unprecedented global context. REABSUL2 follows an earlier modernization cycle carried out in 2007, known as REABSUL1.
As part of the consortium led by Sweco, Intertechne is responsible for electrical auxiliary systems, control and automation systems, and specific aspects of civil engineering. “This is a highly specialized consultancy contract. Each professional is individually assigned to the project, which requires the client’s direct approval for any replacement,” explains Marcos Libert Westphalen, Project Manager.
The initial driver for REABSUL2 is the refurbishment of the generators, which are reaching the end of their service life. At the same time, several other components are also undergoing modernization. “This is a project with multiple workstreams being developed simultaneously. The power station was built inside a cavern, with very limited space, which significantly increases the complexity of the interventions,” Marcos explains.
In addition to the power station scope, other contracts are being carried out in parallel. These include the contract initially awarded to Hatch for the modernization design of the substation and the HVDC rectification system, as well as the interface management contract led by Fichtner.
The combined interventions are expected to extend the power station’s service life by at least 40 years, while increasing efficiency and reducing operating costs. The process includes an initial assessment, definition of the systems to be modernized, preparation of tender documents and evaluation of bids. The tender was awarded to Andritz Austria, which is currently developing the basic design that will precede the refurbishment of the five generating units.
The overall schedule is expected to run through 2033. Intertechne’s field team is scheduled to be mobilized in 2028, coinciding with the start of the refurbishment of the first generating unit, with approximately one year of work planned for each unit.
One of the main challenges will be carrying out the works while the power station remains operational. This will require detailed coordination of logistics, available space and the shared use of equipment such as overhead cranes. “There will be periods when two generating units are simultaneously out of service, requiring close coordination between operations, maintenance and modernization teams,” Marcos emphasizes.
The project involves extensive international cooperation among the Sweco-Intertechne consortium, Fichtner and the contractor responsible for the substation modernization.
Intertechne’s involvement in Cahora Bassa further demonstrates its expertise in technically complex infrastructure projects on the international stage.
