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.

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.

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.

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.