Is a 600 MWp solar plant being built in Congo?

Sun Plus, a unit of The Sandi Group (TSG), has launched construction work on a 600-MWp solar plant in the Democratic Republic of Congo that is part of an even larger project totalling 1 GWp. The two-phase scheme, known as the Kinshasa Solar City, includes the installation of a number of solar photovoltaic (PV) parks near the capital of the country.

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.

Does the DRC have solar power?

Solar In addition to hydropower, the DRC possesses significant potential for solar energy, offering a potential of 70 GW with noticeably high solar radiation averaging 6 kWh/m 2 /day.

How much power does the DRC have?

Despite the DRC’s immense endowment of varied renewable energy potential which includes hydroelectric, biomass, solar, wind and geothermal power, the current installed generating capacity is approximately 2,844 MW, providing access to merely 19% of its nearly 85 million-strong population.

What is the potential for wind energy in the DRC?

Wind Meanwhile, potential for wind energy in the DRC is also significant and largely untapped. Offering a potential of 15 GW, with wind speeds averaging 6-6.6m/s throughout the country, there are a number of high potential areas where wind power could be leveraged across the country.

What is the current exploitation rate of the Congo Basin?

Despite the government’s efforts to launch programs to develop the hydroelectric sector and exploit the power of the Congo Basin’s numerous rivers, the current exploitation rate of these resources remains less than 3%, demonstrating significant, untapped opportunities.