The long-mooted Inga project, which Australia’s Fortescue is involved in talks over, could eclipse China’s Three Gorges Dam and provide southern Africa with a huge flow of new renewable energy
Australian mining firm Fortescue is in talks to develop what could end up being the world’s largest hydroelectric project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The firm – which is owned by Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forest and has been eying renewable energy investments to add to its mining business – said it is in the running to build the Grand Inga dam across the Congo River.
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“Fortescue confirms that discussions have taken place with the DRC Government in respect to the grant of exclusive rights to develop the Grand Inga suite of projects,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday.
“No formal binding agreement has been concluded at this time. Should an agreement be forthcoming, the company will advise the market.”
The long-mooted Inga project could eclipse China’s Three Gorges Dam and provide southern Africa with a bonanza of renewable energy.
POLITICAL INSTABILITY
But the project has been beset with problems, not least political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A series of would-be constructors have expressed interest over the last decade or more, but no project has materialised.
The proposal would see a dam built near rapids across a part of the river, close to the Atlantic Ocean.
- Reporting by AFP
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