Construction of the “Porte d’Enfer” Hydroelectric Power Plant

The Porte d’Enfer hydroelectric site is located on the Congo River in Tanganyika Province in southeastern DRC with potential of 132MW.

The existing Bendera hydroelectric power plant only provides 18MW, which does not meet the needs of surrounding urban areas.

The Porte d’Enfer power plant is urgently needed to strengthen the southern electricity production hub in the DRC, with the possibility of integration with the southern grid that supplies the mining industry.

Project activities:

• Preparation of studies
• Mobilization of private financing
• Project management
• Commissioning and operation of the power plant.

Public policies:

• The Government Action Program (2024–2028) on electricity production capacity;
• The National Strategic Development Plan (PNSD 2024–28) to guarantee reliable access to electricity for all
• The Master Plan for Industrialization of the DRC by 2040 to drive GDP growth.

Project Location:

Tanganyika Province on the Congo River downstream from the city of Kongolo

Lead Agency/ Project Promoter:

National Electricity Company

Contact

2831 Avenue de la Justice, Kinshasa/Gombe, Democratic Republic of Congo, PO Box 500
Tel: +243 816 706 254
Email: snel_dg@snel.cd

Actions Required/ Implementation Arrangements/ Contract Type:

Concession Type of Public Private Partnership

Availability of Pre-feasibility Studies, Feasibility Studies, and other Studies:

• Pre-feasibility studies carried out by AECOM in 2019 with SNEL SA
• Funding being sought.

Supporting documents available for partners:

• SNEL SA’s Master Plan for the Development of Electrical Infrastructure
• SNEL SA Priority Investment Program;
• SNEL SA Business Plan
• SNEL SA Recovery Plan.

Estimated Cost of the Project:

US 764,200,000

Investment Required

Own contribution: US 111,300,000
External contribution: US 652,900,000

Project Financial Position:

US 152,000,000 a year in revenue, excluding various technical and non-technical losses. 792GWh/year of electricity that can be produced at an average rate of US 0.192/kWh

Period of Implementation:

• Studies: eight months
• Procurement and contracting: six months
• Construction work: six years
• Operation: 30 years

Remarks:

A prerequisite for national economic growth, particularly promoting the industrial and mining sectors, which are heavily dependent on the availability of reliable electricity.