Grand Inga Dam
Encyclopedia
The Grand Inga Dam is a proposed hydroelectric
dam
on the Congo River
at Inga Falls
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
.
The proposed dam is the fourth and largest of the Inga Dams
, 8 km (5 mi) from Inga-I, 7.3 km (5 mi) from Inga-II, and 6.5 km (4 mi) from the proposed Inga-III.
The dam has an expected generating capacity of , with 52 turbines
each with a capacity of . This is a significantly larger capacity than the Three Gorges Dam
, which is currently known as the largest energy-generating body ever built.
noted that the project is at a high level of success with the project being more feasible now than ever, during a two-day discussion regarding the development strategies.
As of January 2011, the project is in the feasibility study
stage.
The project is expected to top US$
80 billion in total development costs.
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy...
dam
Dam
A dam is a barrier that impounds water or underground streams. Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions. Hydropower and pumped-storage hydroelectricity are...
on the Congo River
Congo River
The Congo River is a river in Africa, and is the deepest river in the world, with measured depths in excess of . It is the second largest river in the world by volume of water discharged, though it has only one-fifth the volume of the world's largest river, the Amazon...
at Inga Falls
Inga Falls
Inga Falls is a rapids 40 km from Matadi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where the Congo River drops 96 m over the course of 15 km ....
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a state located in Central Africa. It is the second largest country in Africa by area and the eleventh largest in the world...
.
The proposed dam is the fourth and largest of the Inga Dams
Inga Dam
The Inga Dams, located in western Democratic Republic of the Congo 140 miles southwest of Kinshasa, are hydroelectric dams on the largest waterfalls in the world, Inga Falls. Here the Congo River drops 96 metres and has an average flow of 42,476 m³/s....
, 8 km (5 mi) from Inga-I, 7.3 km (5 mi) from Inga-II, and 6.5 km (4 mi) from the proposed Inga-III.
The dam has an expected generating capacity of , with 52 turbines
Water turbine
A water turbine is a rotary engine that takes energy from moving water.Water turbines were developed in the 19th century and were widely used for industrial power prior to electrical grids. Now they are mostly used for electric power generation. They harness a clean and renewable energy...
each with a capacity of . This is a significantly larger capacity than the Three Gorges Dam
Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam is a hydroelectric dam that spans the Yangtze River by the town of Sandouping, located in the Yiling District of Yichang, in Hubei province, China...
, which is currently known as the largest energy-generating body ever built.
Progress
The general secretary of the World Energy CouncilWorld Energy Council
The World Energy Council is a global and inclusive forum for thought-leadership and tangible engagement with headquarters in London. Its mission is 'To promote the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all people'....
noted that the project is at a high level of success with the project being more feasible now than ever, during a two-day discussion regarding the development strategies.
As of January 2011, the project is in the feasibility study
Feasibility study
Feasibility studies aim to objectively and rationally uncover the strengths and weaknesses of the existing business or proposed venture, opportunities and threats as presented by the environment, the resources required to carry through, and ultimately the prospects for success. In its simplest...
stage.
The project is expected to top US$
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
80 billion in total development costs.
See also
- List of hydroelectric power stations
- List of power stations in Congo