Name of the Project
Grand Inga hydropower project.

Location
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Project Owner/s
DRC government.

Project Description
The project, which will be located on the Congo river, is expected to have a capacity of 44 000 MW once all the phases are complete.

The dam will be built in six phases.

Inga 1 (351 MW) and Inga 2 (1 424 MW) were commissioned in 1972 and 1982 respectively.

Inga 3 is in the design phase, with the ultimate design and size being a subject of significant debate.

The construction of the successive phases of Grand Inga will hinge on the availability of a market and funding for the projects. 

South Africa is expected to buy 2 500 MW of Inga 3’s capacity.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Inga 3 is expected to cost an estimated $13.9-billion to $17.9-billion to complete. The development of the project will be implemented through a public–private partnership.

The cost of the entire Grand Inga project is estimated at between $50-billion and $80-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
A consortium has been formed to implement the proposed Inga 3 hydropower project. The consortium comprises six Chinese companies led by the China Three Gorges Corp, and AEE Power Holdings from Madrid, Spain.

Following the new agreement, the six companies in the consortium have a combined stake of 75% in the project, while AEE Power has a 25% stake. The latter will retain this shareholding in the future special purpose vehicle, which will be established to develop and ensure the financial mobilisation for the realisation of the project.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Embassy of DRC in South Africa, tel +27 12 344 6475 and fax +27 12 344 4054.