The World Bank has approved a $73.1 million grant for the first stage of the $80 billion Grand Inga project.

The massive and controversial project aims to tap into the Congo River’s massive energy potential. It has the potential to supply energy to half of Africa, and is expected to provide 40,000 MW of electricity — double the amount that China’s Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project, produces.

The first stage of the Grand Inga is Inga III.  The overall plan includes six stages for the development of a power grid across the African continent. The total price cost of Inga III has been estimated to be between $50 billion and $80 billion. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2016 and is expected to be completed by 2020.

Earlier Inga and Inga II, the earlier stages of the project to dam the Congo River, were completed in 1972 and 1982 respectively. Together they produce 2 000 MW, but only 25% – 40% of this capacity is harvested due to poor maintenance.

South Africa made a deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in May 2013 which allows 2 500 of the 4 800 MW of power to be generated by Inga IIIto be purchased by South Africa, in exchange for funding of the project.

 

(Source: Liberty Voice)