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.

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 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.

What is the capital of Congo?

The largest city and capital is Kinshasa with 12 million in an urban area of 600 km2. It stands on the Congo river at the head of the Congo navigation system from where a railway carries exports and brings in imports from the port of Matadi.

What is eastern Congo like?

Eastern Congo around Lake Kivu is closely integrated into east Africa and has close links with Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. Transport links to Kisangani, the largest city in the east are with Mombasa and through Uganda and Kenya.

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.