Energy Firms To Develop Power Line Interconnection Between Zambia, DRCongo

Nov 11, 2008 - BBC Monitoring - Africa

Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) and Societe Nationale d'electricite (SNEL) intend to develop a 220kilovolt [KV] power line to enhance capacity of the existing electricity interconnection between Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The joint venture, which is aimed at increasing capacity from 210 megawatts to 500 megawatts, is expected to commence next year and commissioning is scheduled for 2010.

According to an announcement by CEC, upgrading of the 220KV regional interconnector between Zambia and DRC was a joint initiative between CEC and DRC state-owned SNEL.

CEC chairman, Hanson Sindowe, confirmed the development but could not disclose the cost of the project.

"I can't give you the figure because we are still discussing with them (SNEL)," he said.

The statement said the project would be beneficial as it would enable surplus low-cost electricity from DRC to reach electricity markets of the southern African region.

The upgrade would include construction of a new 220 KV line between Luano and Karavia on the outskirt of Chingola and Lubumbashi, respectively.

CEC said construction activities would commence in early 2009 and project commissioning would take place in 2010.

The statement said the transmission line border-crossing point at Kasumbalesa has had to be shifted to shift about 1.5 kilometres east of the existing border point to avoid large-scale resettlement in the area on the DRC side.

Originally published by Zambia Daily Mail website, Lusaka, in English 10 Nov 08.