Project title
Inga III Hydropower (Project RG‐1)
Project sponsors
DRC Ministry of Energy.
Participating countries
DRC
Objectives
The main objective is to provide electricity for the people of the DRC for improved
wellbeing and to export electricity to increase the DRC’s foreign revenue stream.
Besides meeting the internal energy needs of the DRC and the BHP Billiton aluminium
smelter, excess power from the Inga III Hydropower project will be exported to the
SADC region.
Project description
For the Inga III Hydropower project, no dam will be constructed. Water will be
diverted from the Congo River through tunnels to the power station. The nominal
power station production capacity will be 4 320 MW (16 x 270 MW units).
Expected results
Production of 4 320 MW for domestic and SADC regional consumption, resulting in an
improved quality of life of the DRC and SADC citizens and economic growth.
Ongoing related activities in the The SADC region currently has a power deficit, with most Member States experiencing
region
severe load shedding and power cuts. The SAPP and the power utilities are trying to
fast‐track energy projects to meet this challenge.
Description of national plan to the AfDB is reported to have financed the pre‐feasibility study, which has just been
project
completed.
Status
The project can be considered to be in Phase 4 of the ICA Project Development
Phases.
Next steps
Pre‐feasibility studies were concluded in 2011 financed by the AfDB. The next project
development stage is feasibility studies to be conducted in 2012 followed by final
designs in 2013 and tendering for construction in 2014. Construction of the project is
expected to then start in 2015 and will be completed in 2017.
Business model
Investment project financed as a BOT or from loans.
Main parties in place
Ministry of Energy in DRC and SNEL
Main parties to be procured
Possible project financiers are the AfDB, DBSA and the WB.
Project challenges
The major project challenge is timely sourcing of project finances.
Project documentation available
1.
INGA hydropower may cost more, 2011 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011‐
06‐30/congo‐s‐inga‐hydropower‐project‐may costmore‐reuters‐reports.html
2.
DRC sees Inga 3 generating power by 2017/18 ,
http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFJOE72E0F320110315
3.
Talks
with
BHP
Billiton
very
advanced,
2010
http://londonminingnetwork.org/2010/11/congo‐says‐talks‐with‐bhp‐billiton‐
on‐inga‐3‐power‐plant‐are‐very‐advanced/
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010‐10‐27/congo‐says‐talks‐with‐bhp‐on‐
building‐inga‐3‐very‐advanced‐.html
4.
Run of River Bulk HEG from Congo River without Conventional Dam, 2010 Natural
Resources, 2011, 2, 18‐21 doi:10.4236/nr.2011.21003 Published Online March
2011 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/nr)
2011
Intervention requiring financing
Project to be presented for financing during the planned 1st SADC Infrastructure
Investment Summit and Conference to be held in the last quarter of 2012.
Revenues for financing repayment
This is an infrastructure investment project, which will raise sufficient revenue to
repay any loans procured for implementing the project.
Estimated total cost
The estimated total project costs are US$8 billion.
Execution period
After project funding is secured in 2012 and the final designs and tendering process is
completed in 2014, construction will commence in 2015 and be completed by 2017.
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