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.

Will cigenco and nzuri energy build a large-scale solar power plant?

Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, November 25, 2021 – To scale up clean energy production capacity in the Democratic Republic of Congo, IFC, Globeleq, CIGenCo, Greenshare Energy, Greenshare Congo, Volt Renewables, and Nzuri Energy have partnered to develop a large-scale solar power production plant in the country.

How many people in DRC have electricity?

According to World Bank data, only about 19 percent of DRC's population had access to electricity in 2019. The project was originally developed by CIGenCo, Greenshare Energy, Greenshare Congo, Volt Renewables, and Nzuri Energy. IFC and Globeleq (as lead developer) have come on board to drive the project forward and help it reach completion.

How long does it take to build a solar plant in DRC?

Construction of the solar plant is expected to begin in 2023 and should be completed within 12 months. Once complete, it will be among the largest solar PV projects in the DRC. About IFC IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.

Why does the DRC need a power plant?

The DRC urgently needs investment in its power sector to meet its increasing industrial demand and production deficit. Together with IFC and Globeleq, we will build a landmark power plant for the DRC that will catalyze its nascent independent renewable energy industry," said Greenshare Congo DRC representative, Dr. Adolphe Ngoyi Kitengie.

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.