Congo Promotes Inga Hydroelectric Site to Power AI Data Centers

The Democratic Republic of Congo is pitching its Inga hydroelectric site as a source of low-cost, renewable power for large artificial intelligence data centers, according to Bloomberg. The Inga complex on the Congo River currently generates less than 2 gigawatts of its potential 44 gigawatts, and officials say data center partnerships could help unlock that capacity.

With nearly twice the output potential of China’s Three Gorges Dam, the Inga site offers abundant water for cooling and access to nearby fiber infrastructure. Bob Mabiala Mvumbi, head of Congo’s Inga development agency, said at a U.S.-Congo investment forum that the location is well-suited for data centers as AI firms pursue facilities capable of multiple gigawatts of power.

The World Bank has committed $1 billion to support development of the project, with an initial $250 million expected to be disbursed this year. The bank will also use its Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency to help reduce risk for private investors. Congo’s government is drafting an “Inga Law” to establish a regulatory and fiscal framework aimed at attracting companies for the design and construction of the next 11-gigawatt phase, known as Inga III.

The Inga project has faced delays for decades due to cost and logistical challenges, but officials say momentum is building as the country’s mining sector faces growing electricity shortages.