Angola's government has tapped Hydro-Link, a firm owned by US-based Symbion Power, to lead the construction of a new 1.5bn power transmission line that will supply electricity to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo DRC. The privately owned 1,150km line will connect hydropower sites in Angola with energy-hungry mining operations in the DRC's Copperbelt.
The line, which is expected to be completed by 2029, will have the potential to supply as much as 1.2 gigawatts of power from Angola's Lauca plant and other hydroelectric facilities to the Kolwezi mining area in southern Congo. Planners say the project could enhance regional energy integration, create thousands of local jobs, and expand electricity access to communities along the route.
US government mulls fundingTo finance approximately 70 of the project, Hydro-Link is actively seeking funding from the US government-owned International Development Finance Corporation DFC. The firm is also seeking support from the US Trade and Development Agency for feasibility studies, and additional backing from the US Export-Import Bank. US government backing is yet to be publicly confirmed.
According to Paul Hinks, Hydro-Link's CEO and a founder of Symbion Power, the idea to develop the line emerged in response to requests from mining companies in the DRC struggling to secure sufficient power onsite. Major industry players including Glencore and Ivanhoe Mines are expected to benefit from electricity supplied through the new transmission line.
Mining and processing operations in mineral-rich DRC are frequently hampered by inadequate and inconsistent power supply. Meanwhile, Angola enjoys a surplus of hydro power, with the African Development Bank estimating that the country has about 1.5 gigawatts of unused clean hydropower capacity.