U.S.-based energy company HYDRO-LINK has announced a $1.5 billion plan to build a 1,150-kilometre electricity transmission line that will link Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), aiming to boost regional energy integration.
The project is designed to help address ongoing power shortages in the DRC’s southeastern Copperbelt region, a key area for critical mineral mining.
Angola, which generates surplus energy from its hydropower plants, will supply electricity through this new line to mining operations in the DRC that are in urgent need of power.
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HYDRO-LINK stated that the transmission line is expected to be completed by 2029. Although the main purpose is to support mining activities, the line will also supply power to load centres in both Angola and the DRC, helping meet public demand.
“The transmission line will promote regional energy integration, provide energy security to the DRC, support the development of industrial hubs for local manufacturing and mineral processing, and create thousands of local construction jobs,” said Paul Hinks, CEO and Chairman of HYDRO-LINK.
The project moved forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HYDRO-LINK and the Government of Angola.
HYDRO-LINK also signed MoUs with the Swiss-based Mitrelli Group, which joins as a major investor and partner, and U.S.-based Sargent & Lundy, which will deliver engineering services.
These agreements were formalized in Luanda during the U.S.-Africa Business Summit. HYDRO-LINK noted that the project will serve both African and American strategic interests.
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Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
