The Luapula Hydropower Project is a joint Democratic Republic of Congo-Zambia programme for developing hydropower generation in the Luapula River Basin and a new cross-border power interconnector. The PP2 record identifies more than 1,188 MW of potential capacity, with over 773 MW of firm capacity.
AfDB preparation work treats Luapula as a priority SAPP, SADC and PIDA project requiring a comprehensive feasibility study, ESIA and coordinated assessment of the generation sites and cross-border transmission requirements.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia signed an intergovernmental memorandum of understanding on 9 July 2015 for the joint development of generation projects in the Luapula River Basin and a new power interconnector. Their national power utilities also signed specific agreements for the generation projects and interconnector. Earlier investigations identified five potential hydropower sites and more than 1,188 MW of potential capacity, including over 773 MW of firm capacity. The technical concept provides for development in four phases, with an initial implementation phase of approximately 270 MW.
The AfDB project-preparation programme is intended to determine the technically, economically, environmentally and financially preferred sequence for developing the river's hydropower sites. It covers hydrology, geology, engineering design, energy production, transmission evacuation, institutional and legal arrangements, economic and financial analysis and environmental and social safeguards. The Luapula River forms the border between southern DRC and northern Zambia for a substantial part of its course, so the project requires joint governance and coordinated ownership, operation and power-offtake arrangements. The programme must remain separate from other Zambian hydropower schemes, including Kalungwishi and Lufubu.
1. Develop the substantial hydropower potential of the Luapula River to increase electricity generation capacity in Zambia and the DRC. 2. Support regional power trade and integration through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). 3. Reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based thermal generation in the region. 4. Create an estimated 4,000-5,000 jobs during the construction phase. 5. Provide a reliable and renewable source of electricity to support economic growth and industrialization in both countries.