The Democratic Republic of Congo has granted final administrative approval for the 900-megawatt Kinsuka hydroelectric project, a $2.8 billion development aimed at easing chronic power shortages in the capital, according to minutes of the Feb. 6 Council of Ministers meeting reviewed by Mining and Business.
The project is being developed by Kinsuka Power, a joint venture between Great Lake Energy, owned by Congolese entrepreneur Yves Kabongo, and Groupe Forrest International through its subsidiary Congo Energy.
The plant is expected to generate an average of 7,450 gigawatt-hours annually, with construction projected to take five years.
According to the government account, the infrastructure is designed to “durably reduce the structural energy deficit of the city of Kinshasa” by improving the availability and stability of electricity for households, public services and businesses. It is also expected to “strengthen national energy security” by expanding generation capacity from a renewable source, in line with the country’s Energy Compact objectives.
Beyond supplying Kinshasa, the project includes plans for a transmission line to southern Congo to support mining operations in Kolwezi, in Lualaba Province.
In a statement, Kinsuka Power said the project, “is the result of a rigorous, long-term process initiated and led for several years by Yves Kabongo. His vision is clear: to develop a major energy infrastructure, compliant with the highest international standards, exclusively serving the national interest.”
The group added that “to realize this vision, Groupe Forrest International, chaired by George Arthur Forrest and led by Malta David Forrest, has established itself as a strategic partner”, contributing industrial expertise through Congo Energy, headed by Spyros Giourgas.
Pre-feasibility studies were carried out by the engineering firm Tractebel and validated by the relevant authorities, confirming, according to the statement, the project’s “technical, economic and environmental feasibility”.
Founded in 1922, Groupe Forrest International operates in Congo in infrastructure, industry, energy, agribusiness and health.
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