17 Mar 2023 11:29

Rosatom's subsidiary preparing project to build small HPPs in Congo - Russian ambassador

BRAZZAVILLE. March 17 (Interfax) - JSC Rusatom Automated Control Systems (JSC RASU), a subsidiary of the Rosatom State Corporation, is working on a project to build small hydropower plants (HPP), with 500 MW capacity at the first stage, in the Republic of Congo, Russian Ambassador to the Republic of Congo Georgy Chepik told reporters.

"I very much like the project that Rosatom's subsidiary JSC RASU, which specializes in hydropower, is preparing in practical terms already. These are Russian-made micro- and mini-HPPs," Chepik said.

The Republic of Congo has selected 37 sites where HPPs with capacity from 1 MW to 10 MW could be built, the ambassador said.

"Their cumulative capacity will be 500 MW at the first stage. It is almost equal to today's total generation in the country from thermal, gas power plants and existing hydropower plants," he said.

If the project proves to be successful, this capacity may be tripled, Chepik said.

"Huge results will be achieved thanks to this project alone. Congo will export electricity and remote regions will be provided with electricity. It's great," the ambassador said.

Congo has enormous potential in terms of electricity generation using water resources, Chepik said.

"Generation that relies on the use of the river resources is quite promising, and if this project, which is now in the feasibility study phase, is accomplished, it will be a project comparable to what Lukoil is doing here," he added.