Construction of Luapula Hydroelectric Power Plants

The Luapula hydroelectric site (Mambilima and Mumbotuta Falls) consists of waterfalls on the Luapula River on the border between Zambia and the DRC in the eastern part of Haut-Katanga Province. The potential is 800MW across three waterfalls. The site is in the most important mining area in the DRC, where the electricity deficit is around 1,700MW.

Mines will be the largest buyers of electricity produced by the Luapula power plants. The project involves both Zambia and the DRC and aligns with public policies set out in:

• The Government Action Program (2024–2028) to develop electricity production capacity
• The National Strategic Development Plan (PNSD 2024–28) to guarantee reliable access to electricity for all
• The Industrialization Master Plan for 2040 to contribute to GDP growth.

Project Location:

Haut-Katanga Province

Lead Agency/ Project Promoter:

National Electricity Company SNEL SA

Contact

2831 Avenue de la Justice, Kinshasa/Gombe, Democratic Republic of Congo, PO Box 500
Tel: +243 816 706 254
Email: snel_dg@snel.cd

Current Status/ Stage of Project:

Project progress:

• Pre-feasibility studies carried out by EDF & GIBB in 2019 (SAPP, SNEL SA, ZESCO)
• Process under way to recruit a consultant to conduct technical feasibility studies
• Process under way to recruit a consultant to conduct socio-environmental impact studies
• DRC-Zambia agreement under discussion via SAPP.

Actions Required/ Implementation Arrangements/ Contract Type:

Concession Type of Public Private Partnership: Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)

Availability of Pre-feasibility Studies, Feasibility Studies, and other Studies:

• List of available documentary sources:
• SNEL SA’s Master Plan for the Development of Electrical Infrastructure
• SNEL SA Priority Investment Program
• SNEL SA business plan
• SNEL SA Recovery Plan

Estimated Cost of the Project:

US 1,730,000,000 billion

Investment Required

US 1,730,000,000

Project Financial Position:

Own contribution US 252,000,000 in Capex

Period of Implementation:

For each of the three falls:

• Studies: eight to 12 months
• Procurement and contracting: 6 to 12 months
• Construction work: five to six years
• Operation: 30 years

Remarks:

This project is one of the prerequisites for national economic growth, especially the industrial and mining sectors, which are heavily dependent on the availability of reliable electricity.