Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa intends to develop the Central Norte project, an underground hydraulic infrastructure similar to the existing Central Sul, but smaller in size. The new plant will be built on the north bank of the reservoir, next to the Cahora Bassa dam, in the district of Marávia.

The project has already undergone an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, with an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) having been prepared in 2013. IMPACTO, in partnership with SWECO, was contracted to update the ESIA and the respective Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), ensuring compliance with national legislation, the Principles of Hydropower Sustainability, and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Safeguards

The update of the ESIA was preceded by the preparation of the Terms of Reference, as requested by MAAP. The study considers the area of direct influence (Cahora Bassa and Marávia districts) and the area of indirect influence up to the Zambezi River delta.

A actualização do EIAS foi precedida pela elaboração dos Termos de Referência, conforme solicitado pelo MAAP. O estudo considera a área de influência directa (distritos de Cahora Bassa e Marávia) e a área de influência indirecta até ao delta do rio Zambeze.

Specialized studies underway by IMPACTO and SWECO:

• Terrestrial ecology (rainy and dry seasons)
• Aquatic ecology (rainy and dry seasons)
• Hydrology
• Geomorphology
• Soils
• Air quality
• Noise
• Climate change
• International safeguards
• Socioeconomics
• Gender
• Archeology and cultural heritage
• Public health, health, and safety

 

The results will be integrated into the ESIA and ESMP, which will then be submitted for public consultation.