Built with US$656 million in funding from Sino-Congolaise des Mines (SICOMINES) S.A, the Busanga hydroelectric plant has finally been operational since last year (2022). Located in the province of Lualaba, 110 kilometers from Kolwezi, this mega hydroelectric project is the first of its kind in the Greater Katanga region for more than 60 years.
With a production capacity of 240 MW, the Busanga plant is of paramount importance for SICOMINES. Indeed, this company aims to produce 250,000 tons of copper per year, and the energy supplied by the plant is essential to achieve this objective. In addition, the Busanga hydroelectric plant also makes it possible to meet the electricity needs of the provinces of Lualaba and Grand Katanga, which suffer from a significant energy deficit.
One of the most interesting aspects of this project is the participation of Congolese shareholders. Indeed, Chinese investors created the Sino-Congolese Hydroelectric of Busanga SA in collaboration with Congolese shareholders such as Gécamines, SIMCO and Congo Management. This 25% participation of Congolese shareholders allows the country to benefit directly from the spin-offs of this hydroelectric project.
The commissioning of the Busanga hydroelectric power plant is also having a positive impact on the electricity sector in the DRC. By recovering 50 MW of electricity, the National Electricity Company (SNEL) can now supply more energy to the Congolese population and the country’s industries. This thus contributes to the economic and industrial development of the DRC.
It is also important to point out that the Busanga project was carried out within the framework of a Collaboration Agreement signed between the Congolese government and Chinese companies. This partnership not only makes it possible to finance infrastructure projects in favor of the DRC, but also to repay these investments thanks to the profits from mining production.
In conclusion, the Busanga hydroelectric plant is a major achievement for the DRC. It makes it possible to meet the energy needs of SICOMINES while supplying electricity to the province of Lualaba and to Greater Katanga. In addition, this project contributes to the development of Congolese infrastructure and industry, while strengthening cooperation between the DRC and China