Energy is a risk for DRC mining

As in its neighboring country Zambia, energy is a major constraint in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and Endorphin Expeditions

Energy provision is still the Achillies heel of all new projects in the DRC.

The DRC hosts an array of minerals for mining and fantastic soil for large-scale farming.

However, the outlook for growth in these sectors continue to be hampered by concerns about energy shortfalls.

Electricity supply in the DRC remains weak, unreliable and unevenly distributed.

Diversifying supply

Most large mining operations in the DRC rely on a mix of hydropower from   state utility Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL), imported electricity from neighboring countries, diesel generators and increasingly solar plants with battery storage.

As in Zambia, mining companies in the DRC are funding their own energy projects to relieve pressure on the national grid.

Most of the DRC’s electricity is generated at the Inga dams on the massive Congo River.

However, these transmission systems are old and suffers from poor maintenance and losses are common.

Rising demand for more electricity

In the mining regions around Kolwezi and the Copperbelt, demand is rising rapidly as mines expand.

Moreover, government is pushing for local beneficiation, which will put further strain on the national grid.

This creates major pressure on the power system. Industry estimates suggest the mining sector needs more than 2,000MW of electricity. Current supply falls short by miles.

Importing electricity from Zambia

The DRC is now looking to import electricity from neighbouring Zambia which is grappling with the same reliance on hydropower and shortages linked to recent dry spells in the region.

New interconnectors and transmission projects are being developed between the two countries to move power across the Copperbelt region.

There is strong long-term potential for the DRC’s energy sector because of its enormous hydro resources and growing interest in solar power and regional electricity trading.

Energy remains a risk

However, infrastructure upgrades are expensive and take time. Without major investment in generation and transmission, electricity shortages could slow mine expansions, delay processing projects and limit broader industrial growth.

The DRC’s natural resources is a treasure chest, but energy remains one of the country’s biggest structural weaknesses.

Reliable electricity will largely determine how fast the mining industry can grow over the next decade.

Image: Energy supply in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, who grapples with the same challenges as neighbouring DRC. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica.

Energy is a risk for DRC mining