A 200MW solar plant project is set to be constructed in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Soleos Energy, an Indian renewable energy developer, and Melci Holdings, a specialist in electrical engineering inked a deal to launch the project.
The energy project estimated to cost US $200M will generate about 350 million kWh of clean energy annually, which will be sold to the national utility company, Société Nationale d’Électricité (SNEL), under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). It is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 300,000 tons each year and will help meet the region’s growing energy demand, benefiting over a million people.
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Energy goals
Soleos Energy CFO Jason Temasfieldt mentioned that this project is part of the company’s broader goal to develop 1 GW of solar projects in the DRC. The initiative is the pilot phase of a 500-MW plan, as highlighted by DR Congo’s foreign trade minister, Julien Paluku Kahongya. In addition to contributing to the region’s energy supply, the project is expected to create over 2,000 jobs during construction and over 500 permanent positions upon completion, expected by late 2025.
“We are excited to collaborate with Melci Holdings on this transformative project, which will provide much-needed renewable energy infrastructure in the DRC. This initiative will address the region’s growing energy demand while delivering social and environmental benefits, including job creation and community development,” said Dhaval Jiyani, CEO of Soleos Energy.
Melci Holdings’ Director, Prof. Madiba, emphasized the project’s impact on the DRC’s energy landscape: “This project represents a turning point in the energy landscape of the DRC. By harnessing solar energy at this scale, we will be able to meet the critical energy demands of the region and pave the way for sustainable growth.”
