popular articles

Hydroelectric power: the DRC wants to unite Africa around the Grand Inga

The DRC is banking on the Grand Inga project, the world's largest hydroelectric dam, to become a major exporter of sustainable energy in Africa, meeting 40% of the continent's electricity needs, while aiming to diversify its energy economy. The 44,000 MW project is estimated at $80 billion and represents a major pivot in the country's energy policy.

Please share:

Hydroelectric power could become the spearhead of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the years to come. While its energy economy has historically been based on minerals, gas and oil, the DRC is beginning its energy transition.

Hydroelectric power to supplement hydrocarbon production?

The country has significant hydrocarbon resources. According to Africanews, the DRC is the second largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa. However, exploration and production of this resource have remained minimal since the end of the 20th century. The country has refused a number of operating contracts, notably with South Africa’s DIG Oil Ltd.

Congolese hydroelectric power
DRC resident Félix Antoine Tshisekedi (source: Twitter).

At present, the new president has decided to focus his policies on joining the ranks of the world’s largest hydrocarbon producers, and placing his country in third place in Africa. This could lead to energy conflicts with Nigeria and Angola, Africa’s leading oil producers.

The government has therefore based its policy orientations on the joint development of hydrocarbons and hydroelectricity.

A 44,000 MW hydroelectric dam project

“With an estimated capacity of 44,000 megawatts, the Grand Inga project will be able to meet a significant share – up to 40% – of Africa’s electricity demand at a competitive price and in a sustainable manner.”

The dam, to be built in 6 stages, is the world’s largest hydroelectric project. It will be located in the west of the country on the Congo River. According to Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the project would meet 40% of the continent’s electricity needs. This capacity is double that of China’s Three Gorges Dam.

This project complements the 351 MW Inga I and 1,424 MW Inga II sites, commissioned in 1972 and 1982 respectively.

Congolese hydroelectric power
The Inga hydroelectric dams on the Congo River © MARC JOURDIER / AFP.

 

A new energy exporter for the African continent

At present, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s electricity demand is only 4,200 MW. With this new project, the country aims to become the region’s leading exporter of sustainable energy. For the dam’s promoters, Africa could see this construction as a solution to electricity shortages and a gateway to the development of renewable energies.

The country is also poised to become one of the world’s leading lithium exporters, with the discovery of the Manono site managed by AVZ Minerals. However, there is a risk of growing competition with Mali to meet this growing global demand. The country has discovered two new sites, Goulamina and Bougouni. The two countries will soon be vying for the position of Africa’s leading exporter of energy and metals.

110,000 MW of hydroelectric potential for the DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo has the largest hydroelectric power capacity on the continent. The government has therefore decided to develop this resource to stimulate the country’s economic development and meet its environmental objectives. The government has created an agency dedicated to the development and promotion of the dam project (ADPI) to carry out the project.

Uniting the African continent around a sustainable project

On June 12, 2020, during a council of ministers, the president of the DRC announced the meeting of African heads of state to make this project a continental concern. He suggested that the development of renewable energy could only be achieved through regional cooperation.

Two African discussion forums

Organized in two phases, the conference began on June 22, 2020 with a multinational, multi-sector virtual forum. Around the table were the African Union DA-Nepad, African Union High Representative Raila Odinga, DR Congo, South Africa, Zambia, Angola, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Ghana. UN agencies, the African private sector and continental African organizations were also invited.

The aim of the meeting, according to the President of the DRC, was to present the project’s opportunities and the potential of hydroelectric power. Questions of project feasibility and financing were also addressed. Through its advocacy, the French government hopes to build consensus around the project.

“This conference, which will take place in two stages during this month of June and in September-October 2020, among other objectives is to present the current and future opportunities of Grand Inga and to promote all the hydroelectric potential of the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to encourage calls for expressions of interest for the purchase of energy to be produced.”

A second meeting will be held in September or October 2020. However, the coronavirus pandemic caused a delay in the project.

A project estimated at $80 billion

The price includes not only the construction of the site, but also the transmission lines needed to evacuate the electricity to the rest of the continent. This figure remains an approximation, however, and means that power purchase agreements will have to be signed to ensure investor confidence. But many proposals have already been discussed.

In addition, the DRC government has made great strides in its technical, environmental and commercial preparations, as well as in the selection process for promoters. This is thanks to the assistance of ADPI, the DRC Ministry in charge of water resources and the African Development Bank.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Uganda is undertaking the construction of three hydropower plants on the Nile to add 1,632 MW to its electricity capacity while exploring nuclear initiatives to diversify its energy mix in response to growing demand.
EDF and the Groupement d’intérêt public pour la réhabilitation de l’étang de Berre have reached an agreement to optimize the management of freshwater discharges into this Mediterranean lagoon, reducing the risks of suffocation for local fauna and flora.
EDF and the Groupement d’intérêt public pour la réhabilitation de l’étang de Berre have reached an agreement to optimize the management of freshwater discharges into this Mediterranean lagoon, reducing the risks of suffocation for local fauna and flora.
Uganda boosts its energy capacity with the opening of the Karuma hydropower plant, financed by China to the tune of 1.7 billion dollars, marking a new stage in Sino-Ugandan cooperation.
Uganda boosts its energy capacity with the opening of the Karuma hydropower plant, financed by China to the tune of 1.7 billion dollars, marking a new stage in Sino-Ugandan cooperation.
Plastic waste accumulating in the turbines of the Ruzizi hydroelectric power station has forced us to cut electricity production by half for South Kivu and neighboring regions.
Plastic waste accumulating in the turbines of the Ruzizi hydroelectric power station has forced us to cut electricity production by half for South Kivu and neighboring regions.
Tajikistan is imposing electricity restrictions due to dwindling water reserves, disrupting its hydroelectric plants and raising concerns about the country's ability to meet energy demand.
Greece and Cyprus are moving ahead with the Great Sea Interconnector project, aimed at linking Cyprus to mainland Europe via a 1,240 km undersea cable, a key element in the energy integration of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greece and Cyprus are moving ahead with the Great Sea Interconnector project, aimed at linking Cyprus to mainland Europe via a 1,240 km undersea cable, a key element in the energy integration of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Los Lagos hydroelectric project in Chile is the subject of discussions between Statkraft and local indigenous groups, amid concerns about the project's social and environmental impact.
The Los Lagos hydroelectric project in Chile is the subject of discussions between Statkraft and local indigenous groups, amid concerns about the project's social and environmental impact.
The controlled opening of the Lagdo dam in Cameroon is causing concern in Nigeria, although hydrological authorities in both countries are tempering the risk of major flooding.
The controlled opening of the Lagdo dam in Cameroon is causing concern in Nigeria, although hydrological authorities in both countries are tempering the risk of major flooding.
The Scanlon and Blanchard dam modernization projects in Minnesota illustrate a key initiative to strengthen energy infrastructure. These efforts are aimed at improving the resilience and efficiency of hydroelectric facilities in the face of growing climate challenges.
Brazil's prolonged drought has drastically reduced soil moisture in the main hydroelectric basins, threatening energy production and increasing electricity costs, with economic and inflationary repercussions.
Brazil's prolonged drought has drastically reduced soil moisture in the main hydroelectric basins, threatening energy production and increasing electricity costs, with economic and inflationary repercussions.
Kyrgyzstan secures $13.6 million in financing from the World Bank to revise the feasibility study for the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant, a key energy project in Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan secures $13.6 million in financing from the World Bank to revise the feasibility study for the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant, a key energy project in Central Asia.
BG Titan Group and BB Holding formalize an agreement to develop the 650 MW Tamakoshi 3 hydropower project in Nepal, marking a further step in the expansion of the country's energy infrastructure.
BG Titan Group and BB Holding formalize an agreement to develop the 650 MW Tamakoshi 3 hydropower project in Nepal, marking a further step in the expansion of the country's energy infrastructure.
Tajikistan re-commissions three modernized units at the Kayrakkum power plant, boosting its energy capacity and optimizing its hydroelectric infrastructure to reach 850 million kWh per year.
In August 2024, Gujarat's hydroelectric power stations recorded their highest level of production ever, marking a significant milestone in India's energy supply and diversification efforts.
In August 2024, Gujarat's hydroelectric power stations recorded their highest level of production ever, marking a significant milestone in India's energy supply and diversification efforts.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is funding the modernization of 293 hydroelectric facilities in 33 US states, with the aim of enhancing infrastructure safety and grid resilience.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is funding the modernization of 293 hydroelectric facilities in 33 US states, with the aim of enhancing infrastructure safety and grid resilience.
Downing Renewables & Infrastructure Trust plc (DORE) acquires three hydroelectric power stations in Sweden, reinforcing its strategy of expanding and optimizing its portfolio of energy assets with a £5 million investment.
Downing Renewables & Infrastructure Trust plc (DORE) acquires three hydroelectric power stations in Sweden, reinforcing its strategy of expanding and optimizing its portfolio of energy assets with a £5 million investment.
The French government cancels the "Rhônergia" hydroelectric project between Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas and Loyettes, promoted by Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR), in response to concerns expressed by local and regional elected representatives. Discussions on new energy strategies are now envisaged.
Paraguay, with its low-cost hydroelectricity, has become a center for cryptomining, attracting investment while fighting illegal drifts and corruption in its energy sector.
Paraguay, with its low-cost hydroelectricity, has become a center for cryptomining, attracting investment while fighting illegal drifts and corruption in its energy sector.
Eco Wave Power reports solid half-year results and makes progress on its marine energy projects in Israel and the United States, while receiving the EDF Pulse Award for its innovations in energy systems.
Eco Wave Power reports solid half-year results and makes progress on its marine energy projects in Israel and the United States, while receiving the EDF Pulse Award for its innovations in energy systems.
Ethiopia completed the filling of the Grand Barrage de la Renaissance (GERD) reservoir, increasing electricity production to 1,550 MW. This progress, achieved despite objections from Egypt and Sudan, aggravates geopolitical tensions over control of the Nile's water resources.
Ethiopia completed the filling of the Grand Barrage de la Renaissance (GERD) reservoir, increasing electricity production to 1,550 MW. This progress, achieved despite objections from Egypt and Sudan, aggravates geopolitical tensions over control of the Nile's water resources.
Romania's Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, asserts that no concessions will be made regarding power generation at the Iron Gates 1 and 2 hydroelectric plants.
Eco Wave Power inaugurates its first wave energy project in Porto, Portugal, marking a milestone for renewable energies with the forthcoming opening of an underwater museum dedicated to this technology.
Eco Wave Power inaugurates its first wave energy project in Porto, Portugal, marking a milestone for renewable energies with the forthcoming opening of an underwater museum dedicated to this technology.
Kazakhstan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) sign a strategic agreement to develop hydropower projects, targeting a total capacity of 600 MW. This agreement will mobilize private investment to transform Kazakhstan's energy sector.
Kazakhstan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) sign a strategic agreement to develop hydropower projects, targeting a total capacity of 600 MW. This agreement will mobilize private investment to transform Kazakhstan's energy sector.
TotalEnergies signs an agreement with Scatec, a Norwegian renewable energy company, to acquire 100% of **SN Power**, including interests in hydroelectric projects in Africa. This strategic transaction is designed to support the continent's energy transition.
TotalEnergies signs an agreement with Scatec, a Norwegian renewable energy company, to acquire 100% of **SN Power**, including interests in hydroelectric projects in Africa. This strategic transaction is designed to support the continent's energy transition.

Advertising