A joint venture of Vinci Construction (lead) and Andritz Hydro is to build the 350MW Abdelmoumen pumped storage hydroelectric plant in Morocco.
The firms were awarded a contract for the €284 million scheme that covers construction surveys, civil engineering works, supply of materials and pumping equipment, assembly, testing and commissioning.
The civil engineering works to be carried out by Vinci Construction include earthworks for two reservoirs, excavation for the powerhouse to be embedded in the slope, and installation of the penstock pipe over a distance of 3km, including 1 km underground. New roads will be built and several others will be refurbished to provide access to the facilities both during construction and during operation of the future site.
The electromechanical equipment, for which Andritz Hydro is responsible, includes two 175MW Francis turbines specially developed in the company’s laboratory and a high voltage substation.
A total of 840 people will be recruited for the 48-month project, including 780 to be hired locally. A training programme will be set up to ensure worksite safety and quality.
