The project, valued at $1.5 billion, addresses persistent power shortages in the DRC’s southeastern Copperbelt region, which hosts critical mineral mines.
With Angola enjoying a surplus of energy at its hydropower sites, the line will connect those sites to the DRC’s energy-hungry mining areas.
According to HYDRO-LINK, the transmission line is scheduled for completion by 2029. While it is primarily designed to power mining operations, the line will also connect to load centres in both Angola and the DRC, supplying much-needed electricity for public use.
“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 has taken a major step forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Angola.
HYDRO-LINK also signed an MoU with the Swiss-based Mitrelli Group, which joins as a major investor and partner, and another with U.S.-based Sargent & Lundy, which will provide engineering services for the project.
All three agreements were signed in Luanda during the U.S.-Africa Business Summit. According to HYDRO-LINK, the project will serve African and American strategic interests.
Other strategic project partners
HYDRO-LINK signed a memorandum of understanding with the Swiss-based Mitrelli Group, which has decades of operational experience in Angola and joins the project as a major investor and partner.
Additionally, the company formalized an agreement with Sargent & Lundy, a U.S.-based architecture, engineering, and design firm, which will provide engineering services for the transmission line.
