Cemex to supply new hydroelectric plant and tidal barrage in the Nile River

Cemex in Egypt is supplying cement for the construction of a new tidal barrage and hydroelectric power plant in the Nile River that is expected to generate 32MW of energy and also improve the irrigation to a landmass of about 1.6 million acres large, the equivalent to eight times the area of New York City.

This project, funded by the Egyptian government, is expected to improve navigation in the Nile and provide water and clean, renewable energy to the five neighbouring cities of Assiut, Minya, Beni Suif, Fayoum, and Giza. It is also expected to generate 6000 direct and indirect jobs during the entire span of its construction.

"Cemex is very proud to be a part of this project that will improve the well-being of the people of Egypt for many generations,” says Cemex President in Egypt Sergio Menendez. “We strive to contribute to the sustainable development of the communities in which we operate, through innovative and value-added building solutions. The construction of this massive barrage will allow the people of Egypt to have access to a new clean, renewable energy source.”

The massive undertaking, expected to reach completion in 2017, includes a sluiceway with eight 17 meter wide radial gates, a hydroelectric plant with four 8 MW turbine generators, a double-chamber ship, and an 11 meter tall embankment dam. As part of the project a section of the Nile River will be deepened in order to mitigate any potential rise in water levels in the city of Assiut and neighboring areas. Cemex is collaborating very closely with the project contractor in intensive technical tests to select the optimum cement mix composition required for the project.

“We are very pleased with Cemex’s expertise and the high quality of building materials provided, which are important elements of many major projects in the country” says Ahmed Korrat, Resident Engineer of the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

A tidal barrage is a dam-like structure that captures energy from the tidal forces of masses of water such as bays or rivers. Instead of damming water on one side, a tidal barrage allows water to flow into a bay or river during high tide, and releases the water back during low tide.

In addition, Cemex’s innovative building solutions are present in many other projects in Egypt.

Presently, Cemex is providing turnkey building solutions that will result in 80,000 m² of new concrete pavement roadways for important companies in the area. These projects include 60,000m2 of internal roads for the new Savola sugar plant in Cairo, and 20,000 meters of internal roads for a new diaper factory. Concrete pavements have many advantages over asphalt, including longer durability, lower maintenance costs, and better light reflection, among others.