UN and Congo Collaborate for Solar Plant Transformation!

Key Figures & Findings: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has invested $700,000 to establish a 120 kW hybrid solar plant in Mambasa, Ituri Province, DR Congo. Constructed by the Ugandan solar company Aptech Africa, the plant will provide power to over 300 users, including six health centers, 224 small businesses, 89 households, and essential facilities such as community radios and water pumps. This initiative is part of UNDP’s Green Energy post-pandemic project and demonstrates the integration of renewable energy to enhance community well-being and productivity in a region that has historically relied on limited energy sources.

Statistics & Insights: Covering a 1 km radius, the plant supports a distributed network that serves more than 300 users, contributing to DR Congo’s total cumulative solar capacity of 25 MW by the end of 2023. This effort highlights the importance of localized solar solutions in underserved regions.

Future Implications: By 2025, similar hybrid solar systems could help address energy access gaps across DR Congo, thereby boosting economic activities and improving healthcare services. With consistent investment, this model may inspire further renewable projects across Central Africa, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

Source: PV Magazine