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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.