Name of the Project
Inga–Kolwezi high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission link project.

Location
The link transmits power from the Inga hydropower station on the Congo river to the mining district of Katanga, in the south-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Client
The contract is part of the FRIPT project financed by Glencore and managed by Congo Energy, a subsidiary of Forrest Group International.

Project Description
The project involves the partial upgrade of the 1 700 km Inga-Kolwezi HVDC power transmission link, which was built in 1982 and was, at the time, the world’s longest transmission line.

The refurbishment will boost transmission capacity, enhance grid reliability, extend the life span of the transmission link and ensure the efficient transmission of hydroelectricity across the region.

The retrofit will make it possible to increase transmission capacity from 520 MW to 1 000 MW, securing power supplies to the mining region in Katanga and strengthening the power infrastructure in the DRC.

Jobs to Be Created
Not stated.

Value
The contract is valued at $30-million.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
ABB has been awarded a contract to refurbish the HVDC link.

ABB’s project scope includes system studies and supply of key equipment such as high-voltage apparatus and commissioning.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
ABB (HVDC refurbishment contract).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Congo Energy, tel +243 84 189 08 03 or email info.ce@forrestgroup.com.