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Zambia has taken a significant step toward addressing its energy challenges and advancing regional power integration with the approval of a $270 million cross-border electricity transmission line linking the country with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project, known as the Kalumbila-Kolwezi Interconnector Project (KKIP), has received the green light from the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) of Zambia, setting the stage for the construction of a high-voltage 330-kilovolt (kV) transmission line spanning 200 kilometers.
Addressing Energy Challenges in Zambia
Zambia’s heavy reliance on hydroelectric power has come under increasing strain due to climate change. Severe droughts in 2024 led to a nearly 50% drop in hydroelectric output, causing widespread electricity shortages that have crippled key sectors such as mining. Mining companies, particularly those operating in Zambia’s resource-rich North-Western Province, have been forced to import power from countries like South Africa to sustain operations.
The KKIP is expected to play a critical role in stabilizing power supply, especially for industrial users. The transmission line will connect to a substation located at First Quantum Minerals’ Sentinel copper mine in Kalumbila, enhancing grid reliability in one of the country’s most vital mining zones. The implementation of the project will be overseen by Enterprise Power DRC, a private energy trading company, which will facilitate electricity flows between the two nations.
Enhancing Regional Power Trade and Grid Integration
Operating at 330 kV, the Kalumbila-Kolwezi interconnector is designed to reduce power losses during long-distance transmission while ensuring technical compatibility between the Zambian and Congolese power networks. The infrastructure will allow for bilateral electricity trading, enabling both countries to optimize energy distribution based on demand and supply dynamics.
Moreover, the project aligns with the broader objectives of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), which aims to integrate national power grids across the region to promote energy security, economic development, and mutual energy assistance. By fostering cross-border connectivity, Zambia is not only addressing its domestic energy needs but also contributing to the regional vision of interconnected and resilient power systems.
Complementary Solar and Battery Storage Projects
Alongside the transmission line, Zambia’s ERB has also approved two renewable energy projects comprising solar and battery storage systems with a combined capacity of 120 megawatts. These initiatives are intended to support Zambia’s ongoing transition toward a more diversified energy mix, reducing the country’s vulnerability to water shortages while enhancing grid stability and resilience.
The integration of renewable energy will not only complement the new transmission infrastructure but also improve access to clean energy, contributing to Zambia’s environmental sustainability goals and commitment to climate change mitigation.
Economic Implications for the Mining Sector
Zambia’s mining sector, which accounts for roughly 70% of export earnings and 12% of its gross domestic product, stands to benefit significantly from improved energy reliability. Persistent power shortages have long hampered production and discouraged investment. By securing a stable and efficient energy supply through the KKIP, mining operations are expected to stabilize, potentially increasing output and attracting further international investment.
This development is especially critical in the context of growing global demand for copper and other strategic minerals, as Zambia positions itself as a key supplier in the global green energy transition.
A Strategic Step Toward Regional Energy Cooperation
The Kalumbila-Kolwezi Interconnector Project represents a strategic leap toward regional energy cooperation and infrastructure development in Africa. It serves as a model for cross-border collaboration and highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in delivering large-scale energy solutions.
With both Zambia and the DRC confronting mounting energy demands, projects like the KKIP not only solve short-term supply issues but also lay the foundation for long-term economic integration, stability, and prosperity.
As the project moves from planning to implementation, it is expected to reshape the regional power landscape, reinforcing Zambia’s role as a forward-looking energy player committed to sustainable development and cooperation.
