The government of Congo led by President Denis Sassou Nguesso inaugurated a Renewable Energy Research Centre.
The centre, located in Oyo, aims to promote applied research in the field of renewable energy and harness the country’s abundant green energy resources, including hydroelectricity, biomass, wind, and solar energy.
The construction of the centre took five years and was funded with a total cost of US $26M through cooperation between the Republic of Congo, the Italian oil group Eni, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). The involvement of Eni and UNIDO reflects the importance of international partnerships in advancing renewable energy initiatives.
READ:South Africa calls for public comments on draft regulations on access of state-owned dams
Energy diversification
The establishment of the centre is expected to facilitate access to electricity in Congolese localities that are currently not connected to the national grid. This is crucial for the economic development of communities, such as the 5,000 inhabitants in Oyo, who have been experiencing recurrent power cuts. By diversifying the electricity mix and focusing on renewable energy sources, Congo aims to improve its energy infrastructure and increase the rate of access to electricity, which currently stands at 68.5% according to the World Bank.
In addition to the Renewable Energy Research Centre, Congo is also planning to build a future hybrid solar power plant in Impfondo, located in the Likouala department. The plant, with a capacity of 3.4 MW, will be constructed by Produits de Construction de Brazzaville (PROCOB), a subsidiary of the Belgian company ABC Contracting. The solar power plant will consist of 11,520 solar panels and is expected to supply 6,480 kVa, helping to address issues related to load shedding.
These initiatives demonstrate Congo’s commitment to embracing renewable energy and transitioning towards a more sustainable and reliable energy system. By utilizing its rich renewable energy resources, the country has the potential to improve access to electricity and stimulate economic growth while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
