The BAC and LOTEMO project will develop two run-of-river hydropower sites on the Lobaye River in the Central African Republic. Each site is planned with four 6 MW Kaplan units, giving 24 MW installed capacity per site, together with associated transmission lines.
The programme is a regional access and generation project rather than only a pair of small power stations: the associated transmission links are intended to supply Bangui, M'baïki and cross-border communities and economic activities in the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
BAC and LOTEMO have similar hydrological and topographical conditions in a narrow rocky valley of the Lobaye River. Each run-of-river site will use a concrete overflow dam with a powerhouse at the toe of the dam, four 6 MW Kaplan turbine units, 24 MW installed capacity, 16 MW firm capacity in the low-flow period and an equipment flow of 300 cubic metres per second. The programme also includes associated electricity transmission lines.
Development of the two sites requires updated hydrological and geological investigation, engineering design, environmental and social assessment, transmission-route studies and agreement on cross-border power supply. The two 24 MW run-of-river plants would provide firm generation during low-flow periods and reinforce a power system with limited existing generation and transmission capacity. The associated lines are central to the project's regional rationale and must be included in technical, environmental, economic and financial assessment. AfDB regional-acceleration material continues to treat BAC and LOTEMO as a preparation-stage priority rather than a commissioned asset.
1. Increase electricity generation capacity in CAR by 60 MW to address severe power deficits. 2. Electrify the M'baiki prefecture and supply power to local forestry and mining industries. 3. Establish a regional interconnection to enable electricity exports to Chad, the Republic of Congo, and the DRC. 4. Enhance energy access for over 6 million people in the four project countries. 5. Support post-conflict economic recovery and regional integration in Central Africa.