Luapula Hydropower Project
Zambia, DRC | SADC | Energy
Energy
USD 540.00M
Total Cost
50%
Progress
4
Stakeholders
2
Countries
Feasibility
Project Stage
Project Overview
The Luapula Hydropower Project involves the development of hydropower resources along the Luapula River, which forms the border between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project consists of a series of cascading hydropower plants designed to harness the significant hydroelectric potential of the river while minimizing environmental impacts through a focus on run-of-river configurations. This binational initiative will increase power generation capacity in both countries, enhance regional electricity security, and support sustainable economic development through renewable energy production.
Key Objectives
The project aims to: (i) develop the substantial hydropower potential of the Luapula River through environmentally and socially sustainable approaches; (ii) increase installed generation capacity in both Zambia and DRC to address growing electricity demand; (iii) enhance energy security through dive...
Strategic Importance
The Luapula Hydropower Project represents a strategic binational initiative that addresses critical energy security needs while strengthening regional integration. Located in a region with significant mining operations and growing industrial activity, the project will provide much-needed reliable electricity to support economic development in both Zambia and DRC.
Technical Specifications
Technology: The project will employ modern hydropower technology appropriate for the specific conditions of the Luapula River. The cascade will consist of multiple plants utilizing a combination of run-of-river configurations and limited storage reservoirs to optimize power generation while minimizing environmental and social impacts.
Capacity: The total installed capacity across the cascade will be approximately 800-1,000 MW, comprising 5-7 hydropower plants ranging from 80 MW to 250 MW each.
Financing Structure
The project is expected to utilize a blended financing approach combining: (i) concessional loans from multilateral development banks (AfDB, World Bank) and bilateral development f...
Market Analysis
Electricity demand in both Zambia and DRC is growing at 5-7% annually, driven by mining expansion, industrial development, and increasing electrification rates. Both countries have experienced supply deficits in recent years, with resulting load shedding impacting economic productivity.
Investment Opportunities
The project presents significant opportunities for private sector participation, including: (i) potential equity investment in specific project components through PPP structures; (...
Key Stakeholders
Sponsor: Governments of Zambia and DRC, with implementation by ZESCO Limited (Zambia) and Société Nationale d'Électricité (SNEL, DRC)
Partners: Ministry of Energy (Zambia), Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources (DRC), ZESCO Limited (Zambia...
For More Information, Contact:
Christelle Onana
christellen@auda-nepad.org

Bernard Brian Cudjoe
bernardc@auda-nepad.org

www.au-pida.org