Palambo Multi-purpose Dam is a water and energy infrastructure project serving Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo. It is intended to provide hydropower, water storage or river regulation through a dam, reservoir and associated generation or water-management infrastructure. The Palambo multi-purpose dam is a proposed Ubangi River regulation and hydropower project serving the Central African Republic and DRC. At 31 December 2025, the project was assessed at Pre-Feasibility.
<p>The project aims to provide solutions to the problems of interruption of navigation on Oubangui River, tributary of the Congo River in the region of Central Africa. This is particularly the case during periods of low water levels, and the supply of electricity to the Central African Republic (CAR), North Congo and the Congo. DRC, through the construction of a Oubangui flow control and power generation dam at the Palambo site, is about 60 km upstream from Bangui.</p>
<p>The characteristics of the scenario chosen among the solutions proposed by SOGREAH in 1990 were as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>Normal retention rating of 361 m;</li>
<li>Height of the dam of approximately 18 m;</li>
<li>Area of 606 x106 m 2;</li>
<li>Length of approximately 1,200 m;</li>
<li>Minimum downstream flow to reach at Zinga, about 70 km downstream from Bangui of 920 m3 / s;</li>
<li>Storage volume of 2,370 million m3;</li>
<li>Power generation of 30 MW;</li>
<li>Number of groups of 4 bulbs (unit flow: 94 m3 / s).</li>
</ul>
<p>The project will achieve the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Produce and ensure a regular and sufficient supply of Bangui and its immediate area as well as areas of bordering countries (Congo and DRC) in electrical energy;</li>
<li>Support low water flow during the low water period on the Oubangui River, to shorten the periods of interruption of navigation and ensure the continuity and safety of river navigation on this river;</li>
<li>Ensure the continuity and efficiency of transport on Corridor 13 and the Transéquatoriale way;</li>
<li>Ensure a good service to the departments of North Congo and CAR by the Transéquatorial way; and</li>
<li>Promote the development of economic activities and services in Bangui and the DRC by the permanent supply of electricity to companies.</li>
</ul>