DRC substation modernized
KfW invested €20 million ($22.1 million) to finance the modernization of the substation at the Inga I and Inga II hydropower plants in the DRC.
Image for illustration purposes.
DRC: Germany’s state-owned development bank KfW invested €20 million ($22.1 million) to finance the modernization of the substation at the Inga I and Inga II hydropower plants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the bank overhauled and digitalized the substation, which was outdated and not fully utilizing energy from the two largest hydropower plants on the Congo River, even though they had been modernized. The station was in poor condition, causing frequent power outages.
Digitalization will make the electricity supply in the DRC more stable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The substation aims to ensure that the electricity from the two hydropower plants reaches consumers, improving the living situation and facilitating economic development.
An additional €4 million ($4.4 million) was allocated to connect four turbines at the plant to a modern switchgear control system. The Kinshasa control center now has direct access to Inga II’s substation. Faults are detected and corrected early, stabilizing the grid and minimizing losses.
Two power plants on the Congo River, with installed capacity of more than 1.7 GW, are the country’s main energy suppliers as they generate 90% of the electricity consumed in the capital Kinshasa. These run-of-river power plants Inga I and II are integrated into dams on the mighty Congo River, where it overcomes a drop of more than 90 meters. They are located in the west of the DRC, and in addition to the capital with its 16 million inhabitants, they supply the south of the country via a high-voltage line that is over 1000 km long.
Source: Smart Energy International
#Democratic Republic of the Congo#DRC#KfW#modernization#substation