In July, the MARGE-Greenplug consortium submitted to Enabel its final report on a Master Plan for the development of the distribution grid in Lubumbashi, the second largest city in DRC, in terms of population and economic importance. The plan was elaborated on the basis of an in-depth analysis of socio-economic data (surveys carried out in over 2,000 households and SMEs), technical data for the MV distribution network gathered from SNEL, and data from SNEL's Commercial Division. The plan includes a dynamic mapping tool consisting of a GIS of the MV distribution network coupled with a grid analysis software (Open DSS), an electricity demand assessment with projections up to 2040, following to different growth scenarios, and an analysis of institutional and governance barriers. In recent years, the city has experienced unexpected population growth and anarchic urbanization. This, along with poor maintenance of existing distribution infrastructure, results in inadequate power supply to the population businesses and enterprises of Lubumbashi. The lack of proper planning also left part of the city without any access to electricity while the existing infrastructure is often overloaded. The aim of the plan is to provide a vision and strategic recommendations to enable improved and universal access of the city by 2040. Key recommendations include, a proposal to divide the city into different distribution concession areas, suggestions on the governance required to administer these different areas, as well as cost estimates for improving electricity distribution in all the concession areas. A feedback workshop was held in July, attended by several members of SNEL and the government to discuss the proposed master plan and key recommendations.
