The Democratic Republic of Congo has inaugurated a 120 kW hybrid solar plant in Mambasa, Ituri province, under the Green Energy Post-Pandemic Initiative. This project aims to expand sustainable energy access in underserved areas.
Funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with a nearly $700,000 investment, the solar plant was constructed by Ugandan company Aptech Africa. It boasts a 120.96 kW capacity and operates through a distributed network covering a 1 km radius.
The plant will provide electricity to over 300 beneficiaries, including six health centers, 224 small and medium enterprises, two community radio stations, four drinking water pumps, 19 administrative offices, and 89 households. This reliable power source will enhance healthcare, business operations, water availability, and administrative services, significantly improving local living standards.
The DRC possesses vast but underutilized renewable energy resources, such as biomass, hydropower, solar, and wind, presenting immense opportunities for renewable energy investment.
In 2023, 43% of the DRC’s 102.3 million people lived in urban areas, making it Africa’s third-largest urban population. This figure is approximately 4.68 times larger than Beijing’s population of 21.84 million. The DRC’s population is projected to reach 278 million by 2050, with an annual growth rate of 3.1%, surpassing both Africa’s 2.5% and the global 0.8% average.
While Beijing has a renewable energy capacity of 2181 MW, the DRC exceeds this with 2742 MW, reflecting the country’s abundant natural resources. Despite Beijing’s technological edge and higher population density, the DRC’s renewable potential remains significant.
The DRC’s National Strategic Development Plan aims to position the country as a diversified, middle-income, climate-resilient, and carbon-neutral economy by 2030. The plan emphasizes energy as a catalyst for achieving 7-8% annual economic growth.
To meet its climate goals, the DRC’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) target a 2% unconditional emission reduction by 2030. Simultaneously, the country seeks to expand renewable energy, increase the electrification rate to 32%, and promote cleaner fuel use.
