PROJECT # 0002

D.R. Congo-Zambia Kolwezi-Solwezi 330 KV Power Interconnector

The 330 kV transmission line will connect Kolwezi in D.R. Congo to the district of Solwezi in Zambia, through the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) network at Lumwana or Kalumbila Substation and the future Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL) network at Kolwezi NRO substation. The Kolwezi–Solwezi interconnection will greatly contribute to the stability of both ZESCO and SNEL networks, especially in the southern part of Congo. In particular, it will support SNEL’s network in the Katanga area, and will also provide additional transmission capacity for exports from Zambia and other SAPP (Southern African Power Pool) member countries to D.R. Congo, and conversely.

The project is aligned to the African Union’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), especially the North-South Power Transmission Corridor, and is supported by the African Development Bank, the World Bank and the AREP programme. An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, a Resettlement Action Plan, and Feasibility Study were undertaken.