Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
Development of transmission infrastructure to integrate the electrical networks of DRC, Angola, and Congo, connecting the Inga hydropower complex with Cabinda (Angola) and Pointe Noire (Congo) to enable power trade and enhance regional integration.
Objectives
Establish transmission interconnections between the power systems of DRC, Angola, and Congo; enable power exports from the Inga hydropower complex to neighboring countries; enhance reliability of power supply through integrated network operations; reduce power generation costs through resource sharing; support regional economic integration through energy infrastructure; facilitate development of the Inga hydropower potential; reduce dependence on diesel generation in isolated systems; and create sustainable power infrastructure serving multiple countries.
Strategic Importance
This project represents a critical link in the Central African Power Pool (CAPP), connecting the significant hydropower resources at Inga with demand centers in Angola and Congo. It enables more efficient utilization of regional energy resources, supports economic development through reliable power supply, and contributes to reduced carbon emissions by facilitating hydropower utilization. The project aligns with regional integration objectives and provides a foundation for wider energy trade within the CAPP region.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
The project will employ high-voltage AC transmission technology (220kV) with modern design features suitable for the coastal and tropical environment of the region, including corrosion-resistant materials, robust tower structures, and advanced substation equipment.
Capacity & Size
Approximately 560 km of 220kV high-voltage transmission lines connecting the three countries; Three major substations with transformation capacity of 300-400 MVA each; Interconnection to national grids in all three countries; SCADA and communications systems for integrated operations
Technical Details
Transmission voltage: 220kV AC; Tower types: Self-supporting lattice steel towers with hot-dip galvanization for coastal environments; Conductor configuration: Double bundle ACSR or AAAC with high corrosion resistance; Substations: AIS technology with provisions for future expansion; Communications: Fiber optic ground wire for control and protection; Lightning protection: Enhanced systems for high-lightning areas; Reactive power compensation: Capacitor banks and potential static systems
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Feasibility studies (2019-2021); Detailed design and transaction structuring (2021-2023); Financing arrangements (2023-2024); Construction and implementation (2024-2026)
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-02-11: Feasibility study launched for the Pointe-Noire–Brazzaville segment – https://bankable.africa/en/news/1102-775-energy-friendship-loop-feasibility-study-launched-for-pointe-noire-brazzaville-power-line
2025-02-11 — Feasibility study for the Pointe-Noire ↔ Brazzaville power line is launched (Cowater International); scope covers route, ESIA and structuring within the regional “Energy Friendship Loop.” [https://bankable.africa/en/news/1102-775-energy-friendship-loop-feasibility-study-launched-for-pointe-noire-brazzaville-power-line]
Financing Structure
The project financing combines sovereign loans from multilateral development banks (AfDB, World Bank), bilateral financing from development partners (particularly China and European partners), and contributions from the participating governments. The transaction structure is being finalized with a likely public-private partnership element for certain components.
Capital Structure
Public financing through sovereign loans (70%), government contributions (20%), potential private participation through PPP components (10%)
Project Timeline
Start Date
March 2019
Expected Completion
December 2026
Development Timeline
Feasibility studies (2019-2021); Detailed design and transaction structuring (2021-2023); Financing arrangements (2023-2024); Construction and implementation (2024-2026)
Project Status History
Status 2020
Transaction Support
Status 2022
Feasibility
Status 2024
Transaction Support
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 6.00M
Construction Timeline
Site preparation and land acquisition (2024); Tower foundation and erection (2024-2025); Conductor stringing and substation work (2025-2026); Testing and commissioning (2026)
Legal & Financial Advisors
Tractebel Engineering providing technical advisory services; legal services by Dentons; financial advisory services by CPCS Transcom
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
Power demand in Cabinda and Pointe Noire regions is growing rapidly due to population growth and industrial development, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Both regions currently rely heavily on expensive diesel generation, creating significant economic opportunity for lower-cost hydropower imports from Inga.
Market Demand
The transmission system is designed to transfer up to 300 MW of power, primarily from DRC to Angola and Congo in the initial phase. Demand in the target regions is projected to reach 500 MW by 2030, with the interconnector providing a significant contribution to meeting this demand through more cost-effective sources.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
Central African Power Pool (CAPP), SNEL (DRC), ENDE (Angola), SNE (Congo)
Key Parties
Société Nationale d'Électricité (SNEL) of DRC, Empresa Nacional de Distribuição de Electricidade (ENDE) of Angola, Société Nationale d'Électricité (SNE) of Congo, Central African Power Pool (CAPP)
Investors
African Development Bank, World Bank, Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC), China Exim Bank, French Development Agency (AFD)
Contractors & Operators
To be determined through international competitive bidding, with tender process currently underway
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Key risks include: political coordination challenges across three countries; technical implementation in challenging tropical and coastal environments; security considerations in certain areas; financing complexities for a multinational project; and operational coordination among three different power systems. Risk mitigation includes structured regional coordination mechanisms, phased implementation, and comprehensive technical assistance for operational integration.
Regulatory Risks
The project requires harmonization of technical standards, operational protocols, and regulatory frameworks across three countries. A multinational coordination committee has been established to address regulatory issues. Key regulatory risks include potential differences in environmental compliance requirements, land acquisition procedures, and challenges in establishing consistent wheeling charge mechanisms.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
The project requires Environmental and Social Impact Assessments in all three countries. Key environmental considerations include forest clearing for rights-of-way, potential impacts on sensitive coastal ecosystems, and management of construction waste and materials. Environmental management plans will focus on reforestation, erosion control, and habitat protection, particularly in coastal zones.
Social Impact
The transmission project is expected to generate approximately 1,200 direct jobs during construction and 150 permanent jobs during operation. Broader socioeconomic benefits include improved power reliability for communities along the route, potential for reduced electricity costs, enhanced regional economic integration, and improved conditions for industrial development, particularly in the Cabinda enclave and Pointe Noire area.
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Significant opportunities exist in: EPC contracts for transmission infrastructure; supply of equipment (towers, conductors, substations); operations and maintenance services through management contracts; and technical training and capacity building. The transaction structure will include specific PPP components for private participation.
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Finalize transaction structure and financing agreements; complete procurement process for main contractors; establish implementation framework including multinational agreements; appoint project implementation teams in all three countries; initiate land acquisition and permits process
Offtake Agreements
Multinational Power Exchange Agreements among the three countries will establish the framework for electricity trading, including scheduling, pricing mechanisms, and operational protocols. Transmission service agreements will define access rights and responsibilities for each national utility.
Contact Information
Mr. Jean-Bosco Kayombo, Director General, SNEL (DRC), Email: info@snel.cd; Eng. Carlos Neto, Director, ENDE (Angola), Email: info@ende.co.ao; Mr. Serge Mapengo, Director General, SNE (Congo), Email: contact@sne.cg
