History

The history of the Minkouma Project dates back to the 2010s. At that time, Justin Ntsama led an airborne LiDAR survey mission in the Sanaga Valley between Nkoteng and Mouanko, with the objective of identifying potential hydroelectric development sites capable of generating 2,500 MW for a mining operator. This groundwork made it possible to identify, among others, three potential sites between the town of Mbandjock and the bridge on National Road No. 15 (RN15).

In its current form, Cameroon Hydro Development SA (CAM-HYDRO SA) initiated the preliminary studies in November 2022, initially as a hydroelectric development project. The solar component was later integrated at the beginning of 2024, in order to take into account the limitations on the Normal Retention Level (NRL 542) imposed by the proximity of the railway line and the town of Mbandjock.

Today, the project integrates a combination of technologies and renewable energy sources in order to support industrial production and meet the needs of the public sector.