Chinese firm to improve electricity distribution in DR Congo

KINSHASA - The Congolese National Electricity Company (SNEL) and China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG) over the weekend signed in Kinshasa an agreement to improve electricity distribution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

According to DR Congo authorities, the partnership between SNEL and CTG aims to exploit the Congolese energy potential that is estimated at 100,000 megawatts, to effectively respond to the increasing needs of power in the country.

Through the agreement, CTG agreed to support SNEL in accomplishment of the Grand Inga project as well as construction of several other hydroelectric power stations across the country.

SNEL Director General Eric Mbala said "having a big partner like Three Gorges was an enormous opportunity for his organization and for DR Congo."

Grand Inga project, revived in 2013 by the DR Congo government, envisions several phases of extension of electric production capacities along Inga Falls, in Kongo-Central province.

Two hydroelectric dams, constructed along the falls in 1970 and 1980, function today at below their capacity.

According to experts, only three percent of DR Congo's energy potential is exploited.