The US-based energy investor Hydro-Link has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Swiss-based Mitrelli Group to develop a US$1.5bn power transmission line between Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo DR). The planned 1,150-km line is expected to transmit up to 1.2 GW of electricity from Angola’s Lauca hydropower plant and other hydroelectric sources to the Kolwezi mining region in the Congo DR, aiming to support energy needs in the mining sector. Completion of the project is planned for 2029.
Electricity shortages are frequent in Congo DR, and system instability often affects the mining and processing of critical minerals and rare earth elements. In contrast, Angola currently has an energy surplus from its hydroelectric power plants, with further capacity expected to become available in the near future.
As of the end of 2023, Angola’s installed capacity stood at 7.5 GW, with hydroelectric generation accounting for half of installed capacity and nearly 80% of the country’s overall power mix. Congo DR imports about 12% of its electricity consumption (2023), with domestic power generation (mostly hydro) covering most of the electricity demand.