The strategic meeting between the Société Nationale d’Électricité (SNEL) and its main mining partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to assess the electricity stabilization plan for the period 2024-2028, proved to be a crucial step in thinking about the country’s energy future. The fruitful discussions between key players in the sector highlighted the importance of rethinking existing contracts to adapt them to current needs, as well as the need to invest massively in energy infrastructure to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of electricity.
SNEL’s initiative to set up a “Master Plan” for the period 2024-2028 aims to improve the supply of electricity to mining customers, while strengthening the DRC’s energy sector. This ambitious vision demonstrates the public operator’s willingness to commit to the modernization and revitalization of the national energy network, in order to support the development of the mining industries and the country’s economy as a whole.
Among the projects presented at this meeting, we can particularly highlight the fruitful collaboration between the KCC SA group and SNEL for the FRIPT project, which enabled the production of 450 MW of electricity, as well as the Nseke project of the Tenke Fungurume Mining Group aimed at increasing the country’s energy capacity. In addition, the cooperation between Ivanhoé Mines Energy and SNEL on the Nseke – RO energy transmission project demonstrates the commitment of the sector’s players to strengthen the efficiency and reliability of the Congolese electricity network.
In parallel, the implementation of short-term palliative measures, such as the Load Shedding Plan, the Network Rescue Plan or the strengthening of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA), will ensure a balance between electricity supply and demand for mining customers. These immediate actions, combined with the medium-term planning of the “Master Plan” from 2024 to 2028, reflect SNEL’s determination to respond to the energy challenges facing the DRC.
In conclusion, the meeting between SNEL and its mining partners marks a decisive step in the transformation of the Congolese energy sector. By joining forces and cooperating closely, these key players are contributing to building a more sustainable and resilient energy future for the Democratic Republic of Congo.