Thursday 15 August 2013

Inga Hydropower Project in DRC - Sustainable Energy for Millions

The Congo River, one of the most powerful rivers in Africa, has a very high hydropower potential that could contribute significantly to the needs of the continent. Currently, only the Inga site of the river is being harnessed for hydropower generation, with an installed capacity of only 1775 MW compared with Inga's potential of 40,000 MW.

The African Development Bank (ADB) has been an active partner in rehabilitating Inga 1 and laying the groundwork for Grand Inga, implemented between 1993 and 1997, with African Development Foundation (ADF) funding.

ADF-11 has invested US$ 15 million to finance project preparation work leading to feasibility analysis for Inga 3 project, the first phase of Grand Inga. The Bank is providing active counsel and assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo government. It led a DFI coordination process. Without its intervention, the project would have stalled.

ADF-12 made a technical assistance grant of $US 37 million for feasibility studies to realize the potential for 4,800 MW of Inga 3 which will be an investment of US$ 10 million. The Inga is a Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) priority project.

ADF-13 is expected to play a crucial role in realization of the project.

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