Green hydrogen solar power plant to be set up in Kinshasa

A green hydrogen solar power plant is planned to be set up in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This follows a partnership entered between Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) and the provincial government of Kinshasa for the project.

The development which is the first hydrogen power plant in Central Africa aims at reducing the intermittent nature of solar photovoltaic power plants by utilizing the new opportunities afforded by the development of hydrogen technologies. The potential for solar energy in the Kinshasa province is estimated to be between 3.22 and 4.89 kWh per m2 per day (average sunshine).

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Hydroelectricity

“In a context where we need to rapidly reinforce the means of electricity production for the city-province, the power plant project by HDF, given its technical characteristics, is welcomed with great satisfaction. Through the measures we are putting in place under the memorandum of understanding, we are seeking to encourage the emergence, as soon as possible, of this first hydrogen power plant project, which can then be duplicated,” said Flavien Nkui Misuru, the commissioner-general in charge of energy, fisheries and livestock for the provincial government of Kinshasa.

Kinshasa and other DRC provinces are currently heavily reliant on hydroelectricity. The nation of Central Africa generates 98% of its electricity from hydroelectric dams on the Congo, Ruzizi, and Rutshuru rivers, which have a combined installed capacity of 2,844 MW. Kinshasa remains prone to load shedding, while the rate of access to electricity in the city-province is estimated at only 44% by the Agence nationale pour la promotion des investissements (ANAPI). The province of Kinshasa is therefore turning to solar energy with a potential (average sunshine) estimated at between 3.22 and 4.89 kWh per m2 per day.