Could solar power be the future of energy in Congo?

Congo is one of the top five oil producers in Sub-Saharan Africa. But despite its rich energy resources, the electrification rate is low, especially in rural areas, mainly because of a lack of electricity infrastructure. But solar power could be the future as it is also said to be cheaper for households.

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 many people have electricity in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

Goma hybrid solar project in the Democratic Republic of Congo According to the World Bank, only 19% of the DRC’s around 102 million people have access to electricity. This translates to about 41% in urban areas and 1% in rural areas.

How will a solar hybrid mini-grid work in DRC?

MIGA said CESL is developing, building and operating solar hybrid mini-grid projects through Nuru SASU in DRC to generate up to 15MW of electricity. Once completed, the project will provide electricity to around 28,000 households and businesses that “currently have expensive, unreliable, unsustainable, or no access to electricity.”

Where is a 15MW solar project being built?

Nuru's Goma metrogrid site in the DRC. Image Source: Nuru. A 15MW solar project is set to be developed and constructed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the International Solar Alliance’s (ISA) first pilot project under its Global Solar Facility (GSF).

Who owns electricity in Congo?

Less than 10% of Congo's roughly 90 million people have reliable access to electricity. The consortium is led by Gridworks, which is owned and financed by the British development finance institution CDC Group, and includes French utility company Eranove and Spanish power developer AEE Power.