Your questions about industrial power in the DRC

ITRA GROUP develops dedicated electricity supply projects combining solar photovoltaic generation, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and electrical distribution for mines and industrial consumers in the DRC. Each solution is engineered around the site’s demand, operating schedule, critical processes and availability requirements. Assessment establishes the appropriate supply configuration and delivery arrangements. These are development activities: electricity delivery begins only once the agreed infrastructure has been built, tested and commissioned.

Solar PV generates electricity during daylight hours. Batteries store part of that energy for later use, helping extend supply into the evening or night and manage fluctuations. Daytime, extended-hour and continuous-supply configurations require different generation, storage and operating arrangements. A 24/7 solution must be engineered against the actual load profile, solar resource and required reserves. Availability, battery autonomy and performance commitments are established through engineering studies and the final supply agreement.

Existing SNEL connections and diesel generators can be assessed alongside a dedicated solar and storage solution. Depending on the site, they may be retained, integrated or operated as coordinated alternative supplies. Engineering determines electrical interfaces, protection, switching, synchronization where applicable and the operating rules between sources. The aim is to develop a practical supply arrangement that fits the facility’s needs. Retaining existing equipment does not automatically mean it can run in parallel or provide automatic backup.

The operating strategy considers lower solar production and changes in demand. Depending on the engineered configuration, stored energy can be discharged, operating reserves used and agreed backup arrangements brought into service. Available power and duration remain bounded by system capacity, battery charge and the contracted supply arrangements. Forecast growth is considered during design; larger or sustained increases may require additional generation, storage or distribution capacity. Expansion and any backup integration are assessed technically and commercially.

Electricity quality is addressed through coordinated design of generation, power conversion, storage and distribution. Engineering considers the facility’s loads, including sensitive processes and equipment starting requirements, together with voltage, frequency, protection and control needs. Monitoring and operating procedures help manage the integrated system. The required performance at the agreed delivery point, and the responsibilities for equipment on each side of it, are defined during engineering and contracting. Specific commitments reflect the designed infrastructure and operating conditions.

A tariff is developed for the consumer’s requirements rather than published as a universal price. It depends on consumption and peak demand, the amount of generation and battery storage required, dedicated distribution infrastructure, supply hours and availability expectations. Contract duration and commercial conditions also influence the proposal. An initial assessment allows ITRA to discuss a suitable supply configuration and pricing framework. Comparisons with existing electricity costs should use equivalent delivery conditions, including any backup and distribution costs.

No upfront CAPEX for the consumer is a central advantage of the proposed financed PPA model. Under the agreed structure, the project’s generation, storage and dedicated distribution infrastructure is financed through the project arrangements, while the customer purchases electricity under the PPA. Financing, the allocation of responsibilities and any customer-side works are defined for the particular project. The final offer depends on the technical assessment, financing structure and negotiated contract; eligibility is evaluated individually.

A PPA is a long-term contract for purchasing electricity. It defines the agreed supply configuration, price and any adjustment mechanism, contract duration, delivery point, metering and billing arrangements. It also sets out availability commitments and the responsibilities of the parties for delivery, operation and maintenance. For an industrial consumer, it provides a commercial framework for a dedicated electricity solution. ITRA develops the technical and contractual proposal around the facility’s requirements, with the final terms agreed between the parties.

Contract duration is negotiated to suit the project’s investment structure and the consumer’s operational needs. The PPA specifies the tariff and any agreed adjustment or indexation rules, so the parties understand how pricing will apply over time. The objective is long-term commercial predictability rather than exposure to undefined price changes. No single duration or fixed-price promise applies to every project. The proposal sets out the relevant pricing principles for review before a supply agreement is concluded.

The supply agreement identifies the contractual delivery point and the metering arrangements used to measure delivered electricity. Appropriate meters and agreed data procedures establish the consumption used for billing, including the relevant measurement periods. The PPA defines invoicing frequency, the applicable tariff, how readings are reviewed and how questions or discrepancies are resolved. Where the supply arrangement includes other agreed charges or obligations, these are specified in the contract rather than assumed from an indicative electricity price.

The assessment starts with location, approximate electricity consumption, peak demand, operating hours and the processes that are most sensitive to interruptions. ITRA also considers existing SNEL, private supply or diesel arrangements, together with expected expansion. Hourly load profiles, bills and equipment information can refine the assessment when available. Initial estimates are sufficient to begin discussions: the team can identify which data is needed next and develop the supply options as the technical picture becomes clearer.

The programme depends on site conditions, project scope and the steps needed to bring the infrastructure into service. Development typically includes initial assessment, engineering, commercial agreement, financing arrangements and required permits, followed by construction, connection, testing and commissioning. These stages need coordination with the consumer’s operations and any existing electrical systems. ITRA establishes a project-specific programme as the requirements and dependencies become clear. A delivery date can be discussed meaningfully once the relevant technical and commercial basis has been established.

Dedicated electricity solutions can be assessed for both operational facilities and new mining or industrial developments. For an existing operation, the study considers current demand, electrical interfaces, production constraints and how changes can be introduced. For a new development, the assessment can consider commissioning phases, the planned production ramp-up and future loads. In either case, the proposed generation, storage and distribution arrangement is developed against the facility’s requirements and the project’s technical and commercial feasibility.

Anticipated growth can be considered from the outset, including future production phases, additional equipment and longer operating hours. Initial engineering can assess how generation, battery storage and distribution might accommodate those changes. Later expansion is evaluated against available resources, network capacity, site constraints and the commercial arrangements then required. Sharing realistic growth scenarios early helps avoid a solution based only on today’s consumption. Additional capacity and its delivery schedule remain subject to the relevant technical and commercial assessment.

ITRA GROUP acts as project developer, Project Lead and Lead EPC Contractor, coordinating financing arrangements, engineering and construction within the agreed project structure. Through Korvexa, ITRA brings together the specialized disciplines required for integrated delivery, including electrical distribution. Responsibilities for operation, monitoring and maintenance are defined in the project agreements and PPA, alongside the consumer’s responsibilities at its facility. Financing is structured for each project; the development role does not mean funding is already committed before the necessary arrangements are concluded.

ITRA GROUP’s current development focus is on Lubumbashi, Likasi and Kolwezi, with solutions intended for mining and industrial electricity consumers. These locations indicate development areas, not a statement that uncommissioned infrastructure is already supplying electricity. The suitability of an individual facility is assessed against its demand, location and the infrastructure required to reach it. Other sites and expansion opportunities can be discussed where an economic and technical study supports a viable solution.

Distance is an important part of the assessment, but it is not the only factor. A route to the facility affects line requirements, voltage selection, electrical losses, permissions and the delivered cost of electricity. The consumer’s demand and operating profile also influence whether a dedicated connection is practical. ITRA assesses the overall generation, storage and distribution configuration rather than applying an arbitrary distance limit. Providing the site’s location helps the team examine the relevant infrastructure and feasibility.

Dedicated distribution can be assessed as part of the overall electricity supply project. Engineering examines the route, voltage, connection point, protection, metering and the capacity needed for the consumer’s operation and potential growth. The resulting infrastructure is developed within the agreed project scope, subject to feasibility, the required authorizations and project agreements. Interfaces with the facility and any retained SNEL or backup systems are considered together, so generation, storage and delivery are designed as a coordinated solution.

ITRA GROUP is the founder and lead coordinator of the Korvexa International Consortium, serving as Project Lead and Lead EPC Contractor. ITRA oversees overall project development and execution, coordinating specialized engineering disciplines, EPC partners and technical stakeholders. The consortium brings together complementary capabilities, including generation, storage, electrical distribution, civil works, logistics and maintenance. This coordinated approach supports seamless integration, efficient project delivery and consistent quality from development through construction and commissioning, with responsibilities organized within the agreed project structure.

Use the existing contact form to introduce your company and describe your electricity requirements. Approximate consumption, site location, operating hours, existing electricity sources and the main operational challenges are useful starting points. You can also indicate availability needs and expected expansion. Estimates are acceptable for the initial discussion; detailed load profiles and other technical information can follow during assessment. Providing your contact details allows the team to arrange a meeting and identify the next steps toward a project-specific technical and commercial proposal.