The Bui Hydroelectric Power Plant in Ghana -- built by Sinohydro Bureau 8 Co, a subsidiary of POWERCHINA -- recently appeared on Ghanaian stamps commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ghana.

The power plant was the first engineering procurement construction, or EPC project, undertaken by POWERCHINA in Africa. The project is located at the junction of northern Ghana and the neighboring country of Cote d'Ivoire.

The Bui Hydroelectric Power Plant in Ghana, built by Sinohydro Bureau 8 Co, features on Ghanaian stamps commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ghana. [Photo/POWERCHINA]

Starting construction in 2008, the plant was completed and connected to the national grid in 2013, becoming the second largest hydropower station in Ghana.

The power station is equipped with three mixed-flow generators with a total installed capacity of 400,000 kilowatts and an annual power generation of 1 billion kilowatt hours.

Sinohydro Bureau 8 Co undertook all the construction tasks including the civil construction, the fabrication and installation of the metal structures, as well as the installation of power transmission and transformation lines and units.

During the construction, Sinohydro Bureau 8 Co strengthened its communications with the owner and paid close attention to cooperation with the design unit.

It ensured the smooth supply of equipment and materials required for construction, while conducting innovations on the construction process and various technologies.

The company also paid attention to localizing the construction process, established good relations with the local government and trained a large number of skilled workers and hydropower management staff members for Ghana.

The power station effectively became a science and technology education center for the country.

In addition, during the project's construction, the company provided voluntary medical consultations for more than 50,000 villagers and built hospitals, schools and other facilities for the locals.

The project won the 2013 Electric Power Engineering Award of Ghana, as well as the 2016-2017 Luban Award for Overseas Projects.