The Cameroon–Chad interconnector project has reached a decisive milestone with the successive launch of tenders by both countries for the construction work des ouvrages
The Cameroon-Chad electricity interconnector project (PIRECT) is entering a new phase. The Cameroonian tender for the construction works, financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), was officially launched in August, while the Chadian tender for the high-voltage infrastructure has just been announced. RTE international is involved in the project alongside Ginger SOFRECO, the lead partner of the consortium responsible for the full engineering scope.
A key project for regional energy integration
Signed in 2024, the project involves the construction of a 1,000-km, 220 kV high-voltage transmission line between Ngaoundéré (Cameroon) and N’Djamena (Chad), for the benefit of the Cameroonian and Chadian transmission system operators, SONATREL and TchadElec. In addition to interconnecting the two national grids, the project includes the electrification of nearly 500 rural communities along the route, as well as the expansion of existing substations and the construction of seven new ones.
Once completed, the project is expected to contribute to regional energy integration, the stabilisation of the national grids and improved access to electricity for tens of thousands of households living in remote rural areas.
A consortium working alongside transmission system operators
RTE international, a member of the consortium led by Ginger SOFRECO, carried out the technical studies that enabled the tender documents for both countries to be prepared.
RTE international’s Engineering service line was involved in two stages: a preliminary design phase covering the analysis of requirements, the grid and the route, followed by a detailed design phase focusing on infrastructure design, technical specifications and tender documentation.
On the Chadian side, the tender covers the construction of two high-voltage links (Gassi–Guelengdeng and Gassi–Cameroon border), as well as the construction of the Guelengdeng substation. This infrastructure will connect to the grid being developed on the Cameroonian side, ultimately enabling the interconnector of the two countries’ electricity grids.
The project will continue with support for the contractor selection process. RTE international will assist SONATREL and TchadElec in assessing the bids received from both a technical and contractual perspective. We will also supervise the construction works through to commissioning, which is currently scheduled for 2029.
“We are delighted to see the project reach this important milestone. Since 2024, RTE international has been fully committed to this project, which is aligned with our mission to strengthen power grids, enhance security of energy supply and promote regional energy integration. We look forward to continuing our contribution to the implementation of this interconnector, which will support economic and social development across Central Africa,” explains Johan Loncle, Project Manager at RTE international.
