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.

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.

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.

Why is the electrification rate so low in Congo?

According to the World Bank, nearly half of the Congolese population does not have access to electricity. 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.

Why is the DRC not using hydropower?

Although hydropower had contributed to a significant share of the country’s installed capacity, the waterways the DRC relies on for electricity, the Inga I and Inga II rivers, have never operated at full capacity due to insufficient maintenance and lack of funding for refurbishment.

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.