South Africa in talks with Zimbabwe, Zambia to run Grand Inga transmission line

South Africa's Minister for Minerals and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, announced on Tuesday that his country is engaging in discussions with Zambia and Zimbabwe regarding the potential routing of the electricity transmission line from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the ambitious Grand Inga hydropower project. The project envisions supplying South Africa with up to 2,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

Speaking to members of the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources, Minister Mantashe clarified South Africa's position on the Grand Inga project, emphasizing that it remains primarily a DRC-led initiative awarded to Spanish and Chinese contractors. He explained that while South Africa has the right to purchase equity in the project, such investment would require approval from the DRC, and so far, South Africa has not acquired any stake.

"The Grand Inga project is not ours; it's a DRC project," Mantashe said. "We have committed ourselves to a quantity of electricity that will be taken up by South Africa, but the driving of the project is out of our jurisdiction."

During the discussion, MKP MP Crown Prince Adil Nchabaleng challenged the Minister's remarks, questioning the feasibility of South Africa sourcing power directly from Grand Inga and raising concerns over whether South Africa intends to obtain a concession to resell the 2,500 MW as part of an investment partnership.

Responding to these concerns, Mantashe reassured that the possibility remains open. He highlighted that the transmission line planned under the Grand Inga project would traverse multiple countries, including Zambia and Zimbabwe, making their involvement essential.

"In the plan for Grand Inga, there is a transmission line that goes through two countries to South Africa, so it is possible," Mantashe explained. "Electricity is not loaded in a truck; it is transmitted through a line that can cross borders. In our discussions, we have explored involving Zimbabwe and Zambia, as the transmission line will cross their territory. So, it is possible to get electricity from Grand Inga."

The Grand Inga Hydropower Project aims to construct a massive dam on the Congo River in the DRC, generating significant clean energy with South Africa as a key potential off-taker. South Africa plans to import 2,500 MW from Inga by 2030, with prospects to double this amount in the future.

Delivering this power will require a long transmission network crossing several countries including Angola, Namibia, and Botswana before reaching Gauteng, South Africa's industrial hub. Agreements between South Africa and the DRC to receive electricity from Inga are in place, with ongoing efforts to finalize contracts and secure financing.

In addition to updates on the Grand Inga project, Minister Mantashe addressed the recent restructuring within his department, which led to the creation of the South African National Petroleum Corporation (SANPC). While some have viewed this development skeptically, he insisted it allows for a clearer focus on petroleum, a vital energy source accounting for 80 percent of global energy consumption, even as renewable energy continues to expand.

Mantashe's remarks underline South Africa's commitment to regional energy cooperation and the strategic importance of the Grand Inga project in meeting the country's future electricity needs.