WELCOME TO HYDRONEO
Green Power for Africa
Independent Power Producer (IPP) of clean and sustainable electricity in sub-Saharan Africa.
9 Countries
22 Project
419 MW
100% Decarbonized
We develop, finance, build, and operate hydropower plants up to 50 MW.
Our commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in all our projects. We ensure that our hydropower plants have minimal impact on their surroundings, and we actively engage with local communities to ensure they benefit in multiple ways.
ABOUT US
A robust technical expertise with a strong local presence for leading each hydro project from A to Z.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Hydroneo’s in-house engineering teams have the capabilities to lead hydropower projects from start to finish, carrying out all the development studies, managing the construction and doing the Operation and Maintenance of the plants.
LOCAL PRESENCE
Understanding the local environment is one of the main key success factors for our projects. Our teams are strategically located close to the projects, in each country, giving us a deep understanding of the local constraints and challenges.
DEVELOPMENT
from site identification to financial close
CONSTRUCTION
from financial close to COD
OPERATION
from COD to the end of the PPA
OUR VALUES
Sustainable energy in the respect of people and their environment.
Our "run-of-river" projects generate ethical and eco-friendly electricity for the national grid. In addition to being 100% decarbonized, the power plants we construct have minimal environmental impact and bring multiple benefits to local communities.
Our technical team comprises a group of engineers with specialized skills and extensive experience in various fields including hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, environmental and civil engineering. They are responsible for establishing bankable technical reports during all phases of project development. There are many engineering missions covered by our tems during a project:
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Site identification by river screening
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Investigations of natural aspects : Topology, Hydrology, Geology, Geotechnics, etc...
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Technical reports : pre-feasibility, feasibility, detailed design.
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Environmental & Social study follow-up
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Establishment of tender documentation for the construction phase
To ensure the proper execution of these studies, we collaborate with reputable and experienced partners in the sector, such as ISL, Tractebel, Oréade Breche, Artelia... These partnerships allow us to leverage additional expertise and resources to ensure our technical team is equipped with the tools and knowledge to deliver reliable, high-quality results.
OUR EXPERTISES
Engineering
& Studies
We entrust well-established local teams with the responsibility of managing permits, authorizations, and contracts related to our projects. These responsibilities include:
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Obtaining development permits, environmental certificates, generation licenses
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Negotiating Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Implementation Agreements (IA), etc...
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Managing land acquisition processes
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Overseeing SPV legal aspects such as Joint Venture Agreements (JVA), Shareholder Agreements (SHA), and SPV creation.
To ensure that our local teams have the necessary support and expertise, we work closely with reputable international and local law firms, including Norton Rose Fulbright, Bowmans, and ALN. These partnerships allow us to draw upon additional legal knowledge and resources, ensuring that our projects are conducted in compliance with all relevant regulations and laws.
OUR EXPERTISES
Permitting
& legal
During the development phase of our projects, our team ensures that each project is managed in accordance with a financially viable model. As part of this effort, Hydroneo takes responsibility for structuring project financing, including equity, junior and senior debt, and grant funding.
To achieve this goal, we leverage our extensive network of investors from a range of backgrounds, including family offices and private equity funds, as well as international development banks (DFIs), local banks, and donors such as GIZ, SCAF, and SEFA.
Moreover, we work closely with our primary financial advisor, Finergreen, who provides guidance and support at every stage of the development process. Finergreen's expertise and experience ensure that our financial models remain viable, and that we can interact effectively with the different financial institutions involved.
OUR EXPERTISES
Financing
For Hydroneo, the construction phase is a crucial stage in the life cycle of a project. As an operator, we recognize the importance of building projects designed to last.
For smaller projects, Hydroneo has the ability to act as an EPC contractor, which includes engineering, procurement and construction from A to Z. However, for larger projects, Hydroneo adopts the role of owner engineer, overseeing and managing the work of reputable EPC contractors. In addition, we ensure the proper implementation of environmental and social management plans.
The operation and maintenance (O&M) of a plant is essential to ensure the sustainability of project revenues throughout the PPA period. As such, Hydroneo assumes responsibility for O&M, relying on its strong technical expertise to guarantee the proper functioning of the plants.
OUR EXPERTISES
Construction
& O&M
OUR PROJECTS
We are present in
over 9 countries with 22 projects
Hydroneo has a strong capacity to deliver projects through the development, building and operation of more than 419 MW of small and medium scale hydro power plants. Contact us
✓ RWANDA
4 PROJECTS
7,8 MW
✓ SIERRA LEONE
4 PROJECTS
112 MW
✓ GABON
3 PROJECTS
91,8 MW
✓ BURUNDI
3 PROJECTS
42,7 MW
✓ CAMEROUN
1 PROJECT
35 MW
✓ UGANDA
1 PROJECT
2 MW
✓ KENYA
2 PROJECTS
18,7 MW
✓ TANZANI
1 PROJECT
10 MW
✓ GUINEA
3 PROJECTS
91,8 MW
Discover Kavumu project
Kavumu hydropower plant in Rwanda
In Rwanda, the Kavumu hydropower plant has an installed capacity of 334 kW. Located a 45-minute drive north of Kigali, this operational project has been fully implemented by Hydroneo teams and now provides green electricity to 30,000 Rwandans.
Discover Nyirahindwe project
Nyirahindwe hydropower plant in Rwanda
The Nyirahindwe hydropower projects in Western Rwanda will generate 1.34 MW, advancing rural access to clean electricity. Developed by Hydroneo East Africa, they’ll produce 7 GWh annually under a 25-year Concession and PPA with Rwanda’s EUCL.
Discover Mpanda project
Mpanda hydropower plant in Burundi
Hydroneo’s 10.2 MW Mpanda project in Burundi will provide clean energy to 1.2M people. Its eco-friendly redesign protects Kibira forest, creates 400+ jobs, and funds essential infrastructure like healthcare, schools, and local mini-grids.
WHY WORKING WITH US
20+ Years of industry experience
Hydroneo is involved in each stage of the value chain of a project and relies on the know-how of its team of French experts combined with its firmly established local technical teams. Our commitment to environmental sustainability and local community is reflected in all our projects.
Green & Eco tech
Run-of-River hydro projects lead to environmentally sustainable development of local resources.
Untapped potential
The run of river potential is yet very largely untapped across the continent.
In-house skills
Integrated engineering skills and project management team with strong experience in hydropower.
Knowledge of Africa
Excellent knowledge of the economic and political situation of Africa, and a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory framework.