What is the energy potential of the Congo River?

The Congo River, which is the second largest river in the world with its basin astride the Equator provides an energy potential estimated at 100,000 MW spread across 780 sites in 145 territories and 76 000 villages. This potential represents approximately 37% of the African overall potential and about 6% of the global potential.

How does the Democratic Republic of the Congo support the economy?

In the AC, Democratic Republic of the Congo supports an economy six-times larger than today’s with only 35% more energy by diversifying its energy mix away from one that is 95% dependent on bioenergy.

How much energy will the Congo River provide in 2030?

The government’s vision is to increase the level of service up to 32% in 2030. The Congo River, which is the second largest river in the world with its basin astride the Equator provides an energy potential estimated at 100,000 MW spread across 780 sites in 145 territories and 76 000 villages.

What are the barriers to the provision of adequate power in DRC?

Key barriers to the provision of appropriate power in DRC include heavy reliance on hydropower generation, of which less than 50% is currently available for generation due to aging infrastructure and lack of maintenance, and the underdeveloped power grid which only covers the southern and the eastern region.

Could the Congo become an electricity exporter?

Almost all electricity generation today comes from hydropower and the Inga project has the potential to provide much more. If network constraints are addressed, Democratic Republic of the Congo could become an electricity exporter.

How much power does Snel generate in DRC?

Of the total installed capacity in DRC estimated at 2,516 MW, Societe Nationale d’Electricite (SNEL) has a generation capacity of about 2,416 MW or 96% of Hydroelectric power which accounts of domestic power generation and is generated by the Inga I and Inga II dams that are located in Kongo Central province.