DRC modernises substation for Inga I & II hydropower plants

A critical power substation connected to the Inga I and II hydropower plants (HPPs) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been modernised and digitised, enhancing the country’s ability to utilize the upgraded facilities. 

The hydropower plants, located on the Congo River, have a combined installed capacity of over 1.7 GW and supply 90% of the electricity consumed in Kinshasa.

The modernisation project, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW, Germany’s state-owned development bank, secured EUR 200 million in funding. An additional EUR 4 million was allocated to integrate four turbines at the HPPs with an advanced switchgear control system. The control centre in Kinshasa now has direct access to the Inga II substation, allowing for early fault detection, grid stability, and reduced energy losses.