Two solar photovoltaic power stations are set to be developed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Canadian energy company East African Power (EAP) made the announcement and said they have signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the National Electricity Company (SNEL) for the two solar power plants.
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Energy diversification
The two power stations, located in Kolwezi and Likasi, will have a capacity of 133 MW each. EAP holds an 85% stake in the project. The Kolwezi and Likasi solar power plants are expected to inject 494 GWh of clean electricity annually into the DRC’s national grid, while offsetting 5,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The project is anticipated to create over 800 full-time and temporary jobs.
The Trade and Development Bank (TDB) is supporting the project by assisting EAP in the project preparation process. TDB has provided technical assistance to review and update key studies and project documents according to World Bank performance standards. TDB will also serve as the exclusive lead arranger for the debt financing of the projects.
Furthermore, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has supported EAP through the East Africa Power Program and the Sustainable Capital Africa Facility. The acquisition of the two solar power plants aims to diversify the DRC’s electricity mix, as the country currently relies predominantly on hydroelectric power, with an installed capacity of 2,792 MW out of a total of 2,844 MW, according to Power Africa.