The 800MW Sounda Hydropower Plant: One of the Largest Dams in the Republic of Congo

Updated on October 17, 2025- The 800MW Sounda Hydropower Plant project in the Republic of Congo is a highly anticipated $9.4 billion venture financed by China. The project has recently experienced an indefinite postponement. Initially slated to begin construction in January 2025 by China Overseas, the project aimed to significantly boost the country’s power grid, offering a capacity of 600-800 MW to address frequent power outages in cities like Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, with a target completion date of June 2030.

However, the Congolese government confirmed the delay, citing no new timeline, which observers suggest may be due to potential issues such as funding delays or technical and logistical hurdles, underscoring challenges in the execution of major infrastructure plans.

Once implemented, the Sounda Hydropower Plant will generate electricity for the Republic of Congo and and the general power generation capacity. This project comes on board as African countries seek to gear up their generation capacity. Similarly, the DRC boasts the Grand Inga Dam which stands as the largest hydropower dam in the world. The Grand Inga is also a boost to the power generation capacity of the country. Lately, the Grand Inga Dam has been pitched as a source of power for data centres in the country.

The Sounda Hydropower Plant has been postponed indefinitely

Reported on February 14, 2025

The Chinese company China Overseas Corporation is set to commence the construction works of the 800MW Sounda Hydropower Plant in Congo. This dam upon completion will stand out as one of the largest dams in the Republic of Congo. The construction works are expected to begin in the year 2025.

The Sounda Hydropower Plant will be located in Koilou district which is approximately 130 kilometers from Pointe-Noire.

Completion Date of the Project Construction

“This mega dam project is slated to be completed by the year 2030. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on September 11, 2024, by the Minister of Energy and Hydraulics of the Republic of Congo, Emile Ousso and the China Overseas Corporation Chief Executive Officer Li Xi Zhen. The MOU signed clearly outlined the detailed activity plan that would foresee the launching of the mega project.”

“Indeed, we will ensure to deliver exceptional work on the project. Just like we have done in other countries that entrusted us with their various projects”. “This dam upon completion, will be one very powerful and unique dam,” stated Li Xi Zhen.

Significance of the 800MW Sounda Hydropower Plant in Congo

“This project is of great importance to the republic of Congo. It will greatly boost the overall energy capacity of the country” the minister said. The project will complement three existing hydropower plants namely. These are the 120 MW Imboulou project, the 74MW Moukoukoulou plant and lastly, the 19MW Djoue facility, ” the minister stated.

A descriptive photo showing the 800 MW Sounda Hydo power project once complete — The Sounda hydropower plant is set to boost the country’s electricity supply upon completion

“A site visit for the project has been scheduled for the end of the month of September 2024 with the purpose of evaluating the plan of the project and its general infrastructure needs. Furthermore, this will be preceded by the establishment of a Steering Committee and a Technical Committee so as to oversee the project’s construction and also signing of the draft agreement, ” he added.

Congo’s Urgent Need of Hydropower

Additionally, just to take note, blackouts have become a daily disruption in Congo, a vast central African country of around 90 million people that sources most of its electricity from a run-down and mismanaged hydropower system. The government has worked with foreign partners in an effort to increase the capacity of the mineral-rich nation’s ailing grid that has been quite insufficient in meeting the country’s electricity needs.

“The same case applies to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which has a significant need for hydropower to address its persistent electricity shortages. Despite having immense hydropower potential, only a small fraction is currently harnessed. The DRC’s hydroelectric potential is estimated to be around 100,000 MW. This could provide clean energy for the entire continent if fully exploited,” a recent research revealed.

Moreover, recent efforts in the country include the construction of the Zongo II Hydroelectric Power Plant. The plant has an installed capacity of 150 MW and provides a quarter of Kinshasa’s electricity. Additionally, the Grand Inga project, which includes the Inga III dam, aims to be the world’s largest hydroelectric dam and could significantly boost the country’s power supply.

Lastly, however, challenges such as limited access to finance, governance issues, and infrastructure development need to be addressed to fully realize this potential. Accelerating hydropower development is crucial for the DRC’s economic growth and sustainable energy future.