25/2/2005
Plans To Harness River Congo Could Supply Power To Europe

Proposals for a vast hydro-electric scheme on one of Africa's largest rivers that could produce enough power, not only to service Africa's industrialisation, but to sell to Europe as well were unveiled this week at the UN Environment Programme's headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The plans to harness the mighty Congo River have been drawn up by one of Africa’s biggest energy companies.

“We calculate that hydroelectricity from the Congo could generate more than 40,000 megawatts, enough to power Africa’s industrialization with the possibility of selling the surplus to southern Europe,” Reuel Khoza, chairman of the South African-based power company Eskom Holdings, said. The idea had been suggested in the past, but was now gaining real political momentum under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Prospects of peace in the region were also concentrating minds, Mr. Khoza, added.

The scheme, which would focus initially on the Inga Rapids, aims to supply surplus electricity to places like Spain and Italy via an inter-connector under the Mediterranean Sea. The proposals were announced at a meeting to discuss how the provision of water and energy might underpin Africa's needs for sustainable development as well as contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.