Does the Democratic Republic of Congo have electricity?

Select Page THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO  The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the same footprint as Western Europe. However, much of the DRC’s large population lack access to electricity — and, like most of the countries in Africa, renewables are the only viable way to rectify this issue.

Will Central Africa's first green solar power plant be built in 2023?

Plans for central Africa’s first green hydrogen PV power plant are also in the works as of March 2023, thanks to Hydrogéne de France (HDF Energy) — an independent power producer hoping to develop new innovative solar infrastructure in the DRC.

How much solar power is available in Kinshasa?

In the area around Kinshasa there is a further 6 gW of solar available at 7 us cents per kW hr. There is also sufficient for the rural areas around Kinshasa, Mbandaka on the Congo river and the main port of Matadi. It can even be exported over the river to Brazzaville.

How much power does DRC need?

Even with new solar and wind DRC could only satisfy between 15 and 55% of total demand. This leaves between 45% and 85% needing offgrid power or 16 gW of installed solar capacity ! Same applies to clean water as only 23% have access.

Where is Nuru solar based?

Nuru deployed Congo’s first solar-based mini-grid in 2017 and has a 1.3MW solar hybrid site in Goma, the largest off-grid mini-grid in sub-Saharan Africa. Another solar hybrid site in Beni and two in the oriental province (Tadu & Faradje). Nuru was first established under the name Kivu Green Energy in August 2015.

What is Kinshasa Solar City?

A 600MW PV plant known as Kinshasa Solar City situated in Menkao also entered construction in August 2023, with the potential to be extended to a capacity of 100MWp.