Global Energy Interconnection (Dec 2020)
Research and comprehensive evaluation on delivery schemes of the Grand Inga hydropower station
Abstract
Congo River has abundant hydropower resources, and large-scale cascade power stations, such as the Grand Inga, can be constructed in downstream locations. However, the fragile economic foundations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring Central African countries, and the small-scale regional power consumption market prohibit the implementation of large-scale hydropower projects. As the high-voltage, long-distance power transmission technology matures, hydropower from the Grand Inga can be delivered to load centers in other regions of Africa. This study establishes a 6 dimensional comprehensive assessment model using the best–worst method to evaluate large-scale, long-distance, cross-border power interconnection projects.The model is applied to evaluate all the candidate inter-regional power delivery schemes of the Inga III hydropower station, and the evaluation results can effectively help investment institutions and policy makers in policy making and potential market targeting.
