Kinsuka Power targets 5-year build after financing for 900MW dam

A private-sector joint venture behind Kinsuka Power says its planned 900 MW hydroelectric plant on the Congo River could be completed within five years after financial close, positioning the project as a major new supply source for Kinshasa and the Kolwezi mining corridor in Lualaba.

The developers say the facility is under development at Kiudi (Kwidi) Island, west of Kinshasa, and is being advanced by a joint venture bringing together Forrest International Group (via its energy subsidiary Congo Energy) and Great Lake Energy, owned by Congolese entrepreneur Yves Kabongo.

Output and transmission plan

According to information released by the joint venture, the plant is expected to produce an average 7,450 GWh per year. The plan includes a high-voltage line to supply Kinshasa and another to deliver power toward southern mining regions, aligning the project with both urban electrification needs and industrial demand.

Project promoters state the five-year construction timeline is tied to the finalization of financial close, a standard milestone that confirms the full financing package is secured and allows large-scale construction to proceed. They also say required administrative, environmental, and regulatory authorizations have been obtained.

Developers describe Kinsuka Power as an “on-river” (run-of-river) scheme, meaning generation would rely on the river’s natural flow rather than large upstream storage. They argue this could support lower-emissions electricity supply, including reduced reliance on diesel in the Kolwezi mining area and lower makala (charcoal) use in Kinshasa, while remaining compatible with climate-finance expectations.

The joint venture also says SNEL, the DRC’s national electricity utility, is accounted for in the project design to ensure consistency with the national grid.