Solar power system package Congo Republic

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.

Which country is launching a solar energy project?

The BOOT (build, own, operate, transfer) solar energy project in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is launched. Named “Kinshasa Solar City”, it will allow the installation of several solar photovoltaic power plants near Kinshasa, with a cumulative capacity of 1,000 MWp.

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.

What is 'Kinshasa Solar City'?

Named "Kinshasa Solar City", it will be carried out in two phases by Sun Plus, a subsidiary of TSG (The Sandi Group), a global provider of design, real estate development, construction and logistics services. The BOOT (build, own, operate, transfer) solar energy project in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is launched.

What is TSG & Snel's 'kinhasa Solar City' project?

TSG’s subsidiary, The Sandi Group, signed a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the National Electricity Company (Snel). Sun Plus plans to complete the first phase of the “Kinhasa Solar City” project within 1 year. The electricity generated by the future solar power plants will be fed into the grid of the state-owned utility Snel.

Why is the electrification rate so low in Congo?

According to the World Bank, nearly half of the Congolese population does not have access to electricity. 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.