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 (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
The DRC government has reported that iron-ore producer Fortescue Metals Group will develop the Grand Inga project.

Australia's Fortescue has confirmed that it was in talks with government to develop a series of dams, but has said no formal binding agreement has been concluded.

President Felix Tshisekedi's top infrastructure advisor, Alexy Kayembe De Bampende has announced that the project will now be led by Fortescue.

Ground has yet to be broken on Inga 3 because of questions over its financial viability. 

De Bampende has said Fortescue will be the sole operator for the entire Grand Inga (3 to 8). “Chinese and company are welcome to join Fortescue”, told Reuters in a text message on June 15.

A Chinese consortium, which includes China Three Gorges Corporation, and a Spanish consortium that includes AEE Power, signed a deal with the DRC government in 2018 to develop the third dam, known as Inga 3.

There has been discussion between Three Gorges, AEE and Fortescue since last year to work together.

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.