When will DR Congo's solar power plants be built?

The plants are to be built by the Moyi Power joint venture and are expected to be completed within 18 months after the start of construction. According to the latest figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency, DR Congo only had 20 MW of installed PV capacity at the end of 2020.

How much power does DR Congo have?

According to the latest figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency, DR Congo only had 20 MW of installed PV capacity at the end of 2020. The country has one of the lowest levels of access to electricity in the world, with only 9% of the population being supplied with power. This percentage in rural areas drops to as far as 1%.

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.

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.

Will the DRC benefit from the Inga?

Currently the DRC only has 2.5 gW installed and no early benefit from the Inga. However solar and wind is available now. Existing HEP could fill in the ‘gaps’ when solar is not available. However offgrid power is essential in the rural areas and small towns across this vast country.

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.