The national electricity company (SNEL) wants to attract USD 12 billion in investment over five years to strengthen electricity generation, transmission and distribution capacity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ambition comes as mining companies need about 5,800 megawatts (MW) but receive less than half of that power.
An energy deficit that penalises mining
The lack of electricity is one of the main obstacles to the expansion of the Congolese mining industry. According to Teddy Muba Lwamba, Managing Director of SNEL, the sector’s needs are close to 5,800 MW, while the state-owned company’s supply remains below half of that demand.
To keep operating, several mining operators have to turn to alternative sources, including electricity imports, diesel generators and solar installations. SNEL thus supplements its supply to the mines with about 375 MW of imports and nearly 400 MW from diesel and solar.
This energy dependence raises operating costs and limits production capacity, in a country that is nevertheless among the world’s leading producers of copper and cobalt.
Inga 3 refocused on national needs
Faced with this situation, Kinshasa intends to speed up the development of its energy infrastructure. During talks held last week in Paris with US officials and the World Bank, the Congolese authorities presented a new configuration of the Inga 3 project, with a planned capacity of 4,800 MW.
Unlike earlier versions, which envisaged output of up to 11,200 MW with prospects of exports to several African countries, this new option prioritises domestic consumption, in particular the needs of industry and mining companies.
The potential of the Inga hydroelectric complex remains considerable. According to government data, the site could eventually produce more than 40,000 MW.
USD 12 billion to attract investors
Beyond Inga 3, SNEL’s programme includes several projects aimed at improving the entire electricity chain. The goal is to mobilise private and institutional capital to increase supply, modernise networks and improve distribution.
This search for financing comes in a context where the energy deficit is holding back local processing of mineral resources and industrial growth. For the DRC, the challenge therefore goes beyond electricity generation alone: it is about creating the conditions for a more competitive mining industry and better added value from its natural resources.
The task now is to turn investment intentions into financial commitments and operational infrastructure.
Héritier Maila
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