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.

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.

Who owns Kinshasa electricity?

The city-wide project network has a power purchase agreement signed by national utility Société nationale d'électricité and the provincial government of Kinshasa with the Sun Plus subsidiary of U.S. real estate investor The Sandi Group. The 25-year deal will see the power company buy the electricity generated for $0.095/kWh.

How much electricity does the Democratic Republic of Congo have?

The Democratic Republic of Congo has a population of 85 million, of whom only around 9% have access to electricity, a figure which falls near 1% in rural areas. The nation has total electric generation capacity of just over 2.67 GW, of which 2.54 GW is hydropower and 135 MW thermal.

How many solar panels does the DRC have?

Accounting for a total operating power of 83 kW, the DRC has a total of 836 solar photovoltaic systems installed, with the government looking at increasing capacity significantly.

How much power does the Congo River have?

The Congo River has the potential to bring up to 100,000 MW of hydropower capacity to the DRC, representing approximately 6% of the global energy potential and 37% of Africa’s overall potential.