The DRC has signed the deal with the Chinese and Spanish partners to construct a $14bn Igna 3 hydroelectric dam.
The project is part of a major programme to expand hydroelectric dams along the Congo river. For 30 years it has been on the drawing board but has been repeatedly delayed in construction. The country has struggled for the financing of the project that would be among the largest single investments on the continent in one of Africa’s riskiest countries to invest in.
The project is set to generate 5GW in installed capacity. Although, the project has been suggested to be revised on its design to produce up to 11GW of power. This would require significant additional infusions of capital engineering redesigns, project feasibility studies and mitigation measures.
Companies involved like China Three Gorges, ACS, Power China and AEE power will share responsibility for the toll that the Inga project would take on the environment, community, the generations of Congolese and the financial costs including the debt burden.
This project of the Inga Falls is unique because it allows hydro power dams to be built near the mouth of the principal river of a continental basin. Usually dams can only be made in upriver locations, where it is narrower. About 42 million tonnes of water flow through the lower Congoevery second, the second greatest volume after the Amazon.
Information from: constructionreviewonline.com