Multinational - Uganda – DRC Power Transmission Study

The proposed operation concerns a grant not exceeding US$ 925,000 to Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP) for the purpose of the pre-investment study updates of 220 kV (400 kV) Uganda-DRC Power Interconnection Reinforcement Project Study. The project consists of update of Feasibility Study, Detailed Design, Bidding Documents, ESIA and RAP as pre-investment studies for construction of a High Voltage transmission line and associated substations of Beni, Butembo, and Bunia and upgrade the Nkenda Substation. From Nkenda substation in Kasese Western Region of Uganda the line will continue up to Bunia and Butembo via Beni in the North Eastern region of DRC. The total distance of the line is estimated to 352.2 km. Strategically, the implementation and realisation of the project will promote regional cooperation for development and optimal utilisation of energy resources within the sub-region. Further, specifically in this case, this regional project will influence the implementation of the least-cost projects and coordination of this regional investment will involve significant savings in NPV terms for the region. The project will help deliver both physical (Interconnector and associated hardware) and institutional (agreements, rules, harmonized grid-codes, processes, skills, power trade, etc.) infrastructure. The total implementation period is estimated to Fourteen (14) months from approval comprising of eight (8) months for updating the studies preceded by six (6) months procurement process including negotiation and contract award.