Gouina Hydroelectric Plant

The Gouina Hydroelectric Plant is a major regional energy hub located on the Senegal River, utilizing the natural drop of the spectacular Gouina Falls, often called the 'Niagara of Mali.' Inaugurated in 2022, this 140 MW facility is a cornerstone of the Senegal River Basin Development Organization's (OMVS) strategy to expand renewable energy capacity across West Africa. The project represents a significant leap forward for Mali’s power grid, contributing to the shared energy pool used by Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania. With a project cost exceeding $400 million, financed largely through international partnerships, Gouina complements the upstream Manantali Dam by regulating the river flow and generating clean electricity even during lower water seasons. The plant’s construction involved building a complex run-of-river system that preserves the aesthetic and ecological value of the falls while extracting maximum hydraulic potential. Economically, the plant is vital for stabilizing the energy supply to Mali’s western mining corridor, which is critical for the national GDP. Gouina stands as a testament to modern engineering in a challenging Sahelian environment, providing the necessary power to drive industrialization and improve living standards for millions in the sub-region.

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Bafoulabé

Located at the confluence of the Bafing and Bakoy rivers, which join here to form the Senegal River.

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