As of 2019, more than 750 million people around the world do not have access to modern electricity services, the majority of whom live in rural areas. These numbers are particularly pertinent in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where only roughly 20% of the urban population has access to electricity, and this number plummets to roughly 2% for the rural population. For the DRC, expanding the national electric grid to cover all of its citizens faces many hurdles as the geography is rugged and extending national grids to remote locations can be exorbitant. Therefore, many in rural communities have little to no prospect of gaining access to the national grid for reliable electricity.
However, mini-grids and other off-grid alternatives provide a cost-effective solution that can bring the socio-economic benefits of electrification to those communities without access. Mini-grids are small-scale electricity generation and distribution systems that operate independently from the national grid and serve a localized group of customers. Alternatively, many households find solutions in the form of solar home systems (SHS) which provide affordable, clean and reliable electricity where grid or mini-grid connections are not feasible. Fortunately, three companies are already making headway in the fight to improve livelihoods through off-grid solar solutions to increase the accessibility of renewable energy in the DRC.
Seeing the need for credit and energy solutions, a group of renewable energy enthusiasts based in Houston, Texas founded Mwinda Technologies in 2018. The company strongly believes that access to energy and financial inclusion is crucial for the economic development of the DRC. That is why it focuses on providing individuals with financial solutions for their solar energy products and services. Through these payments underbanked individuals can build credit that can eventually lead to greater economic opportunities as investors and lenders will be able to assess their credit history.
Renewable energy in the DRC, particularly solar, offers a crucial opportunity for growth. The importance of providing off-grid solutions cannot be overstated, as a recent study found that nearly 60% of off-grid solar customers undertook more economic activity within just three months of purchasing an SHS. This manifests itself through access to new jobs, using their SHS for business power needs or being able to work beyond daylight hours.
– Spencer SpringobPhoto: Flickr
“The Borgen Project is an incredible nonprofit organization that is addressing poverty and hunger and working towards ending them.”
The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and SkyPower Global have signed a joint development agreement to implement the first phase of an ultimately 1 000 MW capacity solar power project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). AFC is a multilateral pan-African development finance institution focused on catalysing private sector infrastructure development across Africa, while SkyPower is a Canada-based solar energy group.
"Partnering with SkyPower, an institution known for their decades of global experience in large-scale solar projects, is well aligned with our mission to advance energy access on the continent through renewable energy," affirmed AFC project development and technical solutions senior director Amadou Wadda. "Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute significantly to rapid industrialisation, local job creation, sustainable economic growth and a pragmatic transition to net zero in DRC and Africa as a whole."
"Partnering with AFC exemplifies a concerted effort toward realising the ambitious goals set by forward-looking countries such as the DRC, aiming for a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone," highlighted SkyPower president and CEO Kerry Adler. "This agreement underlines AFC''s pivotal contribution to promoting renewable energy solutions and both AFC and SkyPower''s unwavering commitment and dedication to ensuring a greener, more resilient world."
SkyPower already has a 1 000 MW solar power purchase agreement with the Société Nationale d''Electricité (SNEL). The SNEL is the State-owned electricity utility of the DRC. The total solar power project has been denominated the Green Giant project by SkyPower.
Phase 1 of theproject, covered by the joint development agreement, is for a 200 MW capacity array. All the required land has been allocated and all the necessary approvals have been obtained nstructionshould start next year.
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo - October 29, 2024 —
Soleos Solar in partnership with Melci Holdings recently marked a significant milestone in its expansion across Africa with the successful groundbreaking of its 200MW Solar PV project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on October 19, 2024. The event, which was attended by high-ranking government officials, industry leaders, and community representatives, officially launched construction of this landmark $200 million solar project.
Located near Kinshasa, the 200MW solar installation will deliver clean, reliable energy to over a million residents once operational, significantly reducing the region''s carbon footprint while fueling economic development.
The groundbreaking ceremony was a momentous occasion, highlighting Soleos Solar''s leadership in advancing renewable energy infrastructure in the DRC. Dhaval Jiyani, CEO of Soleos Solar, addressed the attendees, stating: "The beginning of this project represents a new chapter for renewable energy in the DRC. Soleos is proud to take the lead in delivering sustainable energy that will empower communities and drive positive change."
At the event, Mr. Kapalo Bupe Gaunce, Administrator of Kipushi, extended gratitude to Soleos Energy for investing in the Fipango photovoltaic power plant. Mr. Gaunce emphasized the alignment of this project with the DRC''s vision of energy sector liberalization, expressing confidence in the positive impact on local economic growth. Local leaders, including Chief Kikonke of Kikonke village, also voiced their support for the project. Chief Kikonke pledged his community''s full cooperation and urged the project stakeholders to prioritize community development in tandem with renewable energy goals.
Positive Economic and Environmental Impacts
With construction now underway, the project is expected to create over 2,000 jobs during its development phase and more than 500 permanent positions once the plant becomes operational. In addition to its impact on local employment, the solar installation will generate approximately 350 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing over 300,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year. These contributions align with Soleos Solar''s mission to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship in all its project s.
Jason Temasfieldt, CFO of Soleos Solar, highlighted the long-term financial outlook, noting, "The 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SNEL provides investors with both security and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the region''s energy infrastructure."
Soleos Solar at the Forefront
As the project leader, Soleos Solar is overseeing the engineering, procurement, construction, and financing of the solar plant, ensuring the successful execution of every stage. With the groundbreaking now behind them, Soleos is poised to complete the project by late 2025, bringing renewable energy to the DRC on an unprecedented scale.
The groundbreaking event stands as a testament to Soleos Solar''s role as a key player in the global renewable energy movement. As the company continues to expand its footprint across Africa, this project solidifies Soleos'' commitment to providing innovative solar solutions that drive both social and economic benefits.
With construction officially underway, Soleos Solar is moving forward rapidly to meet the project''s expected completion by late 2025. The company''s commitment to clean energy will not only address the DRC''s growing energy needs but also serve as a model for sustainable development in the region.
Soleos Solar is a global leader in renewable energy, specializing in solar power generation and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction). With projects spanning across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, Soleos Solar is committed to delivering innovative, sustainable energy solutions that empower communities and support the global transition to renewable energy.
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