Cahora Bassa Dam
Tete
The Cahora Bassa Dam, located on the Zambezi River in Mozambique, is the largest hydroelectric power plant in southern Africa and a critical energy source for the region. Constructed during the late 1960s and early 1970s by the Portuguese colonial government, the dam stands 171 meters high and 303 meters wide at its crest. It created the extensive Cahora Bassa Lake, which stretches approximately 250 kilometers in length and 38 kilometers in width, flooding an area of 2,700 square kilometers with an average depth of nearly 21 meters. The dam's five turbines generate a total capacity of 1,450 megawatts, most of which is exported to South Africa via a high voltage direct current transmission system spanning over 1,800 kilometers. Despite its engineering achievements, the dam's construction displaced native communities without compensation and led to ongoing challenges regarding local access to electricity and clean water. Recent modernization efforts aim to rehabilitate the infrastructure and maintain its generating capacity until at least 2050. The Cahora Bassa Dam remains a landmark of hydroelectric power generation and regional cooperation in southern Africa.
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Tip: Visitors interested in the Cahora Bassa Dam should consider arranging guided tours in advance, as the site is industrial and access may be restricted. The best time to visit is during the dry season when the weather is clearer and access roads are more reliable. While visiting, be respectful of local communities affected by the dam's history. No specific ticketing information is typically required for viewing the dam from public vantage points, but guided access inside the facility may require prior permission. Check locally for any available discounts or group visit arrangements.
Interesting facts
- •Cahora Bassa Dam is the largest hydroelectric power plant in southern Africa.
- •The dam's reservoir, Cahora Bassa Lake, covers approximately 2,700 square kilometers.
- •Power generated is transmitted over 1,800 kilometers of high voltage direct current lines to South Africa.
- •The dam was constructed during the Portuguese colonial period and caused displacement of native populations without compensation.
- •The dam's turbines have a combined generating capacity of 1,450 megawatts.
History
Construction of the Cahora Bassa Dam began in 1969 under Portuguese colonial rule and the reservoir started filling in 1974.
The project was controversial due to forced displacement of native communities without compensation.
During Mozambique's civil war (1977–1992), power transmission lines were frequently sabotaged, disrupting electricity supply.
After independence, ownership shares shifted gradually with Mozambique increasing its stake from 18% to 85% by 2007, reducing Portugal's share to 15%.
The dam has been a key hydroelectric supplier for South Africa since its commissioning in 1979.
Recent efforts focus on modernizing the dam infrastructure to ensure continued operation through 2050.
Place Guide
Powerhouse and Turbines1970s
The powerhouse contains five turbines, each with a capacity of 415 megawatts, which together generate 1,450 megawatts of electricity. These turbines convert the kinetic energy of the Zambezi River into electrical power, making it the largest hydroelectric facility in southern Africa.
Cahora Bassa Lake1970s
Formed by the dam, Cahora Bassa Lake stretches approximately 250 kilometers long and 38 kilometers wide, flooding a vast area and serving as a major reservoir for hydroelectric power generation. The lake's average depth is about 20.9 meters.
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Transmission System1970s
This system consists of two converter stations located at Songo in Mozambique and Apollo in South Africa, linked by over 1,800 kilometers of transmission lines. It efficiently transmits the electricity generated by the dam to South African power grids.
Contact
Phone: 87 892 6213
