Cemex is to supply cement for a new government funded project on the River Nile in Egypt. A new hydroelectric plant and tidal barrage are to be constructed, with completion set for 2017. The project will generate 32 mw of energy and improve irrigation to an area of 1.6 million acres. It will help to provide water and renewable energy to the cities of Assiut, Minya, Beni Suef, Fayoum and Giza.
Cemex is working with the project contractor to carry out tests for the optimum cement mix composition for the project. The construction plans include a sluiceway with eight 17 m wide radial gates, a hydroelectric plant with four 8 mw turbine generators, a double-chamber ship and an 11 m high embankment dam.
In order to offset any possible rise in water levels, a section of the Nile will be deepened. The project will lead to 6,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase. 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.
Cemex president in Egypt Sergio Menendez said that the company strives to contribute to the sustainable development of the communities in which it 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, he commented.