The feasibility studies for the « Tembo Power » project were approved on Friday, June 28, 2019 in Kinshasa, by experts from the various state departments, scientists and Congolese society gathered in a workshop at Kempinski Hotel. This project will eventually produce about 70 megawatts of electricity for the benefit of the mining industry in the southeastern part of the Congo.
In fact, the participants of this workshop examined these feasibility studies of the Tembo Power project in hydrological, geotechnical, environmental and even financial aspects. And overwhelming validation confirms the viability of the project economically and technically; and attests to its compliance with environmental standards and its usefulness as long as it provides a solution to the energy deficit problem in the region.
Aurecon delivers the technical details
The project was supported by Aurecon in 2016. This internationally renowned consultant has proceeded by studies on parts by identifying several sites. He then made a field trip to the Lubudi area of Lualaba Province for physical site identification and pre-feasibility studies. The latter being conclusive, Tembo Power sought and obtained the agreement of the Ministry of Energy to begin the development of feasibility studies for the project.
« There are five sites identified initially after the reconnaissance study. We have merged two sites: Dikolongo and Kamatanga so that they are more economical. Two other sites, Kawa and Kambudji, will be developed independently. The whole offers a portfolio of 66 megawatts. The last site is called Kayo. It will be developed last to produce an additional 7 megawatts », said Bertrand Collet.
According to this Aurcon Group expert, the realization of this project will follow a series of works that could be completed in a maximum of four years.
« The challenge is to do both projects Kamatanga and Dikolongo at the same time because they are grouped together and near the city of Lubudi. When the builder has finished the civil works, he can begin the work of Kambudji and Kawa … and so on. After 28 months, we will have the first plant that will be able to produce electricity. Others will follow until all are operational in 3 ½ years or 4 years. «
In addition to hydropower, Tembo Power also intends to combine its production with solar energy. This will have the advantage of allowing not only the profitability of the line but also the provision of the same power of electricity permanently as well during the dry season as that of the rains.
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What next steps?
« After the validation, we will sign the concession rights with the government. The project has already been submitted by the government. It will be fleshed out by us before sending it back to him. After this step of the signatures, the one that will follow is that of the finalization of the financial studies. We hope to have the closing by July 2020 », said John Kanyoni Nsana,
Meanwhile, the management of Tembo Power says it will soon trade to approach the mining companies with much more confidence to see how to sign the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) [mean: Power Purchase Agreement].
If this ambitious and well-crafted international project is worth around US $ 300 million, Tembo Power has just set up a fund called the Tembo Fund. And the company hopes to start construction work in a year and a half.
To John Kanyoni to reassure: « We have already started to approach some financial institutions, lenders and others. And I can already assure you that based on their reactions, there is a real interest to accompany us for this project. This is not to mention other traditional lenders whether IFC or AfDB with whom we have advanced contacts. «
For this power generation project, Tembo Power has invested not only for studies but also for the mobilization of required skills such as those of the international firm Aurecon for feasibility and environmental studies with ERM and the financial expert David Humphrey (former Global Head of Standard Bank in charge of energy and infrastructure) for quality work without forgetting the legal aspect with the renowned law firm Trinity.
The aim of Tembo Power is to conduct studies that meet international standards and norms to reassure not only the lenders but also the consumers of the energy that will be produced.
Eric TSHIKUMA
