KIPAY Energy challenges itself to produce more than 160 Mw in Haut-Katanga, DRC
The Congolese company KIPAY Energy has set itself the challenge of producing more than 160 Megawatts in a solar-hydroelectric hybrid system, in the province of Haut-Katanga. This ambitious project led by a Congolese, Eric Monga Sombe Sombe, should help reduce the energy deficit in this mining province of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The investment is valued at over US$400 million. This project will contribute to economic development, social well-being and the protection of forests and biodiversity.
The investment period for this project is 30 years, with 30% equity and 70% debt. The plant will include a 90 meter high dam which will be built in partnership with PowerChina. Grid connection will require a 205 km high voltage power line from Sombwe to Fungurume substation. The villages of Kalera and those located along the access road will benefit from this electricity, as well as other consumers in the former province of Katanga.
“The first major challenge of this project was to carry out the studies. We have carried out studies with well-known design offices and both Congolese and international experts. These studies have produced satisfactory results. It was the fruit of a few years of work,” said Eric Monga, promoter of the project.
The government gave the Go
The Sombwe Dam on the Lufira River will be built on the edge of the Upemba Park. The project had been the subject of speculation by national and international non-governmental organizations. They had expressed their concerns about a possible alteration of the biodiversity of this large park.
“There have been many untruths that have been distilled just to harm a Congolese operator. But the science is accurate and real. We wanted the world to believe that the reservoir will drown 40% of Upemba National Park. It was just scientific heresy. This park has an area of 1,770,000 ha. The reservoir, including the river, will only cover 1,700 ha. That’s 40%? In my opinion no! “, Lamented Eric Monga.
Several studies conducted on this site have demonstrated the opposite of these claims. Contrary to what some environmental players said, only nearly 1% of the park could be impacted by this project. But this impact is very minimisable in view of the gains that the construction project of this dam could have.
After investigations, the missions of ministers and members of parliament enabled the Congolese government to exercise an option. That of authorizing the construction of the Sombwe dam by KIPAY Energy.
“Mitwaba is the most deprived territory of the province of Haut-Katanga, which lives essentially only from the pressure on the Miombo forest. The construction of this dam will cover the energy needs of 100,000 households and meet the needs of emerging industries in order to increase the level of production. This project is initiated and piloted by a Congolese economic operator. It poses no threat to the environment”, had decided the Congolese government.
The first megawatt in 4 years
Everything is being put into action so that the first megawatt of hydroelectricity from the Sombwe dam is produced within the next four years. While that of solar will be in a year. According to the promoter of this project, nothing can prevent its development. After obtaining the government’s discharge, it’s time to raise funds.
“I am proud to announce that there are Congolese banks that believed in us and agreed to support us. We have companies and large organizations that also support us. We are in the process of restructuring ourselves with all the conditionalities imposed by COVID”, informed Mr. Monga.
Visible social impact
On the ground, the first phase of the project has already begun. This involves the construction of an access road to the place where the various structures will be erected. This road has so far made it possible to open up the chiefdoms and groups of the Mitwaba territory. The chiefdom of Kalera, Sampwe, and others are the first beneficiaries of these benefits.
