Could solar power change energy consumption in Congo?

Solar power could change energy consumption in Congo. - The Loudima family in Congo have long been without electricity but they have found an environmental solution: solar power. In the remote districts of Pointe Noire, the Congolese start-up Hélios Électricité has installed a solar power plant.

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 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 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%.

Is the DRC a hydroelectric country?

This has given it enormous potential for hydro electric power and almost 100% of its grid power is HEP. The DRC is the largest country in Sub Saharan Africa occupying 2,345,000 km2 with 3.32% as standing water including rivers and lakes. Its sheer size, lush vegetation and landscape has been its problem since independence in 1960.