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.

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 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 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 Kinshasa Solar City?

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. The 600-MWp phase one was initiated on August 19 and is expected to be completed within a year.