Kamoa Copper’s green energy now focuses on the Inga II hydropower

Kamoa Copper’s green energy focus now on the Inga II hydropower plant as source of additional clean electricity to power Kamoa-Kakula expansions

In August 2021, Kamoa-Kakula’s energy company signed an extension of the existing financing agreement with SNEL to upgrade turbine 5 at the Inga II hydropower complex. Since June 2021, rehabilitation scoping works and technical visits have been conducted by Stucky Ltd. of Renens, Switzerland, and Voith Hydro of Heidenheim, Germany, a leading engineering group. Voith Hydro, the contractor for the turbine 5 upgrade, has successfully rehabilitated two turbine generators at the adjoining Inga I hydropower plant, a project that was financed by the World Bank.

Turbine 5 is expected to produce 162 MW of renewable hydropower, providing the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex and the planned, associated smelter with abundant, sustainable electricity for future expansions.

Early works related to the removal of sand from the area around turbine 5 is nearing completion, which will allow the engineering team to complete the scoping work. Dismantling of turbine 5, starting on the alternator level, has commenced. Basic engineering for the design of a new turbine wheel and runners is ongoing at Voith’s Heidenheim offices.

Ivanhoe Mines expects to soon provide an update on the expected upgrading costs for turbine 5, as well as the expected timeline for completion of the upgrading project.

The Inga II hydropower facility on the Congo River.

Engineers from Kamoa Copper, SNEL, Stucky and Voith Hydro at Inga II’s turbine 5.

Engineers from Kamoa Copper, SNEL, Stucky and Voith Hydro at the 8-metre diameter penstock for turbine 5.

Workers removing sand from the tube underneath turbine 5.