Activities

Impact assessment of an 85 MVAR shunt capacitor bank at Karavia substation on SNEL's southern network

The study assessed the contribution of an 85 MVAR shunt capacitor bank installed at Karavia substation to support voltage levels on SNEL's southern transmission network. Simulations performed in DigSILENT PowerFactory analysed the impact of this reactive compensation on voltage profiles, particularly under an additional 100 MW import scenario from ZESCO. The shunt capacitor demonstrated its ability to raise voltage at the delivery point and reduce active power losses, while mitigating voltage instability risks. Results confirmed that the device secures the additional 100 MW import under both normal operating conditions and N-1 contingency scenarios.

Grid integration study for a 150 MWp PV power plant on the 220 kV transmission network using DigSILENT PowerFactory

Load flow simulations verified voltage profiles and power transits at the point of common coupling (PCC), under both steady-state and contingency conditions (e.g. loss of a transmission line). Dynamic RMS simulations assessed the transient behaviour of the plant under critical disturbances: sudden line tripping, loss of generation, and three-phase short-circuits on the connecting line. These analyses validated fault ride-through (FRT) capability, reactive current injection, and post-fault stability of the power plant.

Grid integration study for a 50 MWp photovoltaic power plant on the 120 kV network using DigSILENT PowerFactory

Load flow simulations performed in DigSILENT PowerFactory verified voltage profiles at all 120 kV busbars, particularly at the 50 MWp plant's PCC. Active and reactive power transits were analysed under nominal operating conditions and under N-1 contingencies. Results confirmed that the plant's integration complies with the contractual voltage and thermal loading limits of the 120 kV network assets.

Rehabilitation study for the L81 interconnection line "New Kasumbalesa – Karavia" (92 km)

The study focused on the rehabilitation of the 92 km L81 transmission line linking New Kasumbalesa to Karavia. The upgrade consisted of replacing lattice tower structures with monopole supports and splitting the existing circuit into two double-circuit lines (L81 and L84). Electrical simulations in DigSILENT PowerFactory validated the new power flows, voltage drops and conductor thermal ratings for each circuit. Results confirmed that the rehabilitation enhances the reliability and power transfer capacity of the interconnection while reducing land footprint and visual impact.

Study report on the 200 MW electricity import from ZESCO to SNEL's southern network

The study simulated the import of 200 MW from the ZESCO grid (Zambia) to SNEL's southern network (Democratic Republic of Congo) for AMM sarl. Network models of both systems were assembled in DigSILENT PowerFactory to analyse power flows, voltage drops, and loading of existing lines and transformers. Operating scenarios — normal regime, loss of a feeder, variation in local generation — were tested to verify the stability and security of power transit at the ZESCO-SNEL interface. Results confirmed the technical feasibility of the 200 MW import, subject to targeted reinforcements identified in the study report.

Design study for a 35 MWp solar PV plant with 20 MWh battery storage for self-consumption at a hydrometallurgical plant in Likasi

PVSyst was used to size the 35 MWp solar array and the 20 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), optimising self-consumption for the hydrometallurgical plant in Likasi. Simulations evaluated hourly generation profiles, self-consumption rates and storage efficiency in smoothing intermittent output. Results demonstrated significant coverage of the industrial process energy demand, with a substantial reduction in grid draw. The study confirmed the technical and economic feasibility of the project, with PVSyst providing key performance indicators: capacity factor, system losses, and battery sizing parameters.

Design study for a 35 MWp solar PV plant with 75 MWh battery storage for an off-grid industrial site at Kisanfu

PVSyst and HOMER Pro were used jointly to size the 35 MWp solar array and 75 MWh BESS for the off-grid site at Kisanfu, complemented by an 18 MW diesel generator set as backup. Simulations optimised the energy dispatch between solar, storage and diesel generation, minimising fuel consumption and emissions. The analysis demonstrated a high renewable energy penetration rate (above 70%), with a significant reduction in diesel generator operating hours thanks to the storage system. The study confirmed the technical and economic viability of the hybrid off-grid solution for the Kisanfu plant.

Pre-feasibility study for a 23 MWp off-grid solar PV plant for a hydrometallurgical plant in Likasi

PVSyst and HOMER Pro were used to size the 23 MWp off-grid solar array coupled with a 25 MW diesel generator set for the hydrometallurgical plant in Likasi. Simulations evaluated hourly solar generation, renewable energy penetration rates, and fuel consumption savings compared to a 100% diesel baseline. The analysis demonstrated a significant diesel savings potential, with a competitive levelised cost of energy (LCOE) for the off-grid site. This pre-feasibility study confirmed the technical and economic interest of the solar-diesel hybridisation, pending a detailed study incorporating battery storage.

PLS-CADD design and simulation of a 220 kV double-circuit 20 km overhead line from Kuvumbi to Fungurume

PLS-CADD was used to model and simulate the 220 kV double-circuit overhead line over 20 km between Kuvumbi and Fungurume. Electromechanical calculations verified conductor sags, support structure loads, ground clearances and span lengths under various climatic conditions (wind and temperature). The study also validated conductor, insulator and tower selection for this double-circuit configuration. Results confirmed the technical feasibility of the route, with safety margins compliant with international standards.

PLS-CADD design and simulation of the double-circuit line New Kasumbalesa – Karavia (92 km)

Modelling and simulation of the 92 km double-circuit overhead line linking New Kasumbalesa to Karavia were performed in PLS-CADD, adopting monopole structures throughout. Electromechanical calculations verified conductor sags, support loads, ground clearances and span lengths under various wind and temperature conditions. The study validated conductor, insulator and monopole foundation selection for this double-circuit configuration. Results confirmed the technical feasibility of the monopole route, offering reduced land footprint and lower visual impact compared to conventional lattice towers.

PLS-CADD design and simulation of a 120 kV double-circuit 9 km connection line for a PV power plant

Modelling and simulation of the 120 kV double-circuit 9 km line connecting the 50 MWp PV plant to Shilatembo substation were carried out in PLS-CADD using monopole structures. Electromechanical calculations and long-profile analysis verified conductor sags, support loads, ground clearances and span lengths under various climatic conditions. The study validated conductor, insulator and monopole selection for this short connection line. Results confirmed technical feasibility with a reduced land footprint and minimal visual impact.

Construction of a 220 kV 28 km transmission line for the Mboukoumassi potassium salt mine – Republic of Congo

Modelling and simulation of the 220 kV 28 km overhead line connecting M'boudi substation (north of Pointe-Noire) to the new 100 MVA / 220 kV substation at Mpili, Mboukoumassi, were performed in PLS-CADD. Electromechanical calculations and long-profile analysis verified sags, support loads, ground clearances and span lengths under local climatic conditions. The study validated conductor, insulator and tower selection for this 28 km supply line feeding LUYUAN's potassium plant. Results confirmed the technical feasibility, guaranteeing a reliable power supply for an annual production capacity of 2 million tonnes of potassium salt.

Construction of a 35 kV 15 km overhead line for the potassium salt plant – Republic of Congo

In PLS-CADD, the 15 km 35 kV route was modelled integrating the terrain constraints between Mpili and the Atlantic coast, with particular attention to the long profile to follow the natural relief. Sag, mechanical tension and span calculations accounted for marine winds and ambient salinity — conditions specific to coastal environments. The study also assessed clearances from natural obstacles (coastal vegetation, roads) and structures to ensure the safety and longevity of the line. The selected route guarantees a robust power supply to the potassium plant, with a reliability level suited to 2 Mt/year industrial production.

PLS-CADD design and simulation of a 33 kV double-circuit 5 km overhead line in Kolwezi

Modelling and simulation of the 33 kV double-circuit 5 km line in Kolwezi were performed in PLS-CADD using poles suited to this configuration. Electromechanical calculations and long-profile analysis verified conductor sags, support loads, ground clearances and span lengths under various climatic conditions. The study validated conductor, insulator and pole placement for this short peri-urban line. Results confirmed technical feasibility with a controlled land footprint and full compliance with safety standards.

Energy audit of industrial facilities and diesel thermal power plants

The audit covered all industrial facilities and diesel thermal power plants, analysing energy flows, generator set efficiencies and thermal losses. Measurement campaigns and field surveys established a detailed energy balance and identified the most critical consumption points. Several optimisation measures were proposed: combustion parameter adjustment, insulation improvement, preventive maintenance scheduling and replacement of ageing equipment. The study produced a costed action plan, with potential energy savings of 12% to 18% and a payback period of under three years.

Electrical energy audit of a six-storey (G+5) commercial building

The audit focused exclusively on the electrical aspects of the G+5 building: consumption metering per outgoing circuit, load curve analysis and peak demand identification. Distribution equipment (switchboards, circuit breakers, cabling) was inspected and measurement campaigns detected overloads, phase imbalances and abnormal heating. Lighting, HVAC and socket circuits were characterised in terms of installed power and actual energy consumption. Recommendations were formulated: replacement of magnetic ballasts with LED fixtures, load shedding during off-peak periods and power factor correction, with an estimated savings potential of 22%.

Energy audit of the Ile Mimosa stone quarry and conductor cross-section optimisation

The audit examined all load centres at the quarry (crushers, conveyors, screens, workshops, lighting) and measured demand on each outgoing feeder. Existing conductor cross-sections were checked against measured currents and cable lengths, revealing undersizing responsible for excessive voltage drops and overheating. A re-optimisation calculation proposed corrected cross-sections (notably for large motor feeders and long cable runs), reducing Joule effect losses by 17%. An automatic capacitor bank was sized to maintain the power factor (cos φ) above 0.95 continuously, thereby eliminating reactive energy penalties. The full set of recommendations (cable reinforcement, automatic capacitor bank, phase balancing) ensures safer, more energy-efficient operation fully compliant with the utility's requirements.

Construction supervision of a four-storey (G+3) residential building

Supervision covered all phases of structural works, elevation of three upper floors and finishing, with rigorous verification of compliance with drawings and technical specifications. On-site teams monitored material procurement, rebar placement, concrete pours and schedule adherence for each work package. Weekly progress meetings detected deviations (delays, non-conformances) and proposed corrective measures in real time. The assignment concluded with a formal inspection in accordance with best practice standards, ensuring structural integrity and future occupant safety.

Design and construction supervision of a five-storey (G+4) residential building

The preliminary design phase defined execution drawings, material quantities and the master construction schedule for the G+4 building. Supervision subsequently provided daily site management: foundation inspection, elevation of four upper floors, slab and roof monitoring. Site meetings validated key milestones, resolved non-conformances and adjusted the programme in response to unforeseen events (weather, supply chain). At handover, technical and regulatory compliance of the structure was certified, guaranteeing occupant safety and long-term structural integrity.