Australian based global engineering consultancy firm SMEC and Chinese hydropower corporation Hydrochina have formally agreed to establish a long‐term, cooperative relationship to share information, create opportunities for further development and ultimately conduct business together in various countries around the globe.
The companies are particularly interested in design, consultancy and EPC turn‐key contract projects for major public infrastructure, including hydropower, renewable energy, transport, geotechnics, water and environment.
"SMEC is honoured to be partnering with such a respectable company that has a rich history in the development of some of the world’s largest hydropower and dam infrastructure projects," commented SMEC’s CEO Ross Hitt. "Hydrochina is ranked as one of the world’s leading engineering companies and has set new world records for the highest dams".
Hydrochina has developed the world’s highest Arch Dam and the world’s highest roller compacted concrete (RCC) dam, both in China. The JinPing Arch Dam stands at 305M high, whilst the Longtan RCC Dam stands at 216.5M high.
SMEC’s history in hydropower dates back to 1949 to the iconic Snowy Mountains hydroelectric scheme in Australia. SMEC provides technical services ranging from feasibility studies and detailed design, to procurement and construction management for large hydropower and dam projects in all corners of the world, from the Roseires Dam Project on the Nile Basin, to the Bakun Project in Malaysia and the Son La Hydropower Project in Vietnam.
Effective from April 2013, the MOU signing marks the beginning of a close and cooperative relationship between SMEC and Hydrochina, the companies said in a statement.
Image: Ross Hitt (SMEC CEO) with Wang Bin (President Hydrochina).