Will the DRC benefit from the Inga?

Currently the DRC only has 2.5 gW installed and no early benefit from the Inga. However solar and wind is available now. Existing HEP could fill in the ‘gaps’ when solar is not available. However offgrid power is essential in the rural areas and small towns across this vast country.

How much electricity does the Democratic Republic of Congo have?

The Democratic Republic of Congo has a population of 85 million, of whom only around 9% have access to electricity, a figure which falls near 1% in rural areas. The nation has total electric generation capacity of just over 2.67 GW, of which 2.54 GW is hydropower and 135 MW thermal.

How many Solar Ambassadors are there in the DRC?

We have 3,500+ Solar Ambassadors in our network, working across 22+ provinces. Between them, they distribute 10,000+ products every month. 90% of Congolese people lack access to electricity. We want to see energy poverty eliminated in the DRC by 2030. Our cost effective systems help off-grid customers power a wide range of appliances.

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 does a GW City Solar System cost?

The 25-year deal will see the power company buy the electricity generated for $0.095/kWh. The government has estimated the total cost of the 1 GW city solar network will be around $1 billion.

What was the main transport artery in the Congo?

When Europeans entered the Congo in the mid 19 th Century the Congo river was the main transport artery. During the Belgian colonial rule they operated a series of ferries that worked like a train service from Kisangani all the way to Kinshasa calling at each river port. Direct ferries are now long gone as there are major problems with navigation.