Environmental and Social Due Diligence for Three Hydropower Projects
European and Chinese banks appointed SRK to conduct environmental and social due diligence studies and annual International Finance Corporation (IFC) compliance reviews of three huge hydropower projects, one of which was the Cambambe hydropower project on the Kwanza River, Angola. The projects will generate 5,200 MW, more than doubling Angola’s energy output, and inundating an area of 210 km2. Challenges include cumulative impacts associated with losing unique rapid ecosystems, maintaining ecological flow downstream of impoundments, and restoring livelihoods and resettling displaced subsistence farmers.
