The Republic of the Congo has disclosed plans to double its power generation capacity to 1,500 MW by 2030 through the development of its renewable energy potential, the country’s energy minister stated.
Speaking at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF), Emile Ouosso, Congo’s Minister of Energy and Water said the government in Brazzaville is focusing on harnessing its domestic renewable energy resources.
“This initiative aims to enhance electricity access for the nation’s six million citizens and support industrial growth,” Minister Ouosso said.
He further noted that the country’s most valuable energy resource is water and said that the government has identified 4,000 MW of hydropower potential in the Brazzaville region.
“Our most valuable energy resource is water. With proper investments, we can unlock this potential to generate more electricity, foster industrialization and electrify rural communities.
“We have identified 4,000 MW of hydropower potential in the Brazzaville region. These projects will provide clean, reliable energy for our people and industries.”
Presently, Congo utilises just 1% of its total hydropower potential, which has been estimated at about 27,000 MW.
Congo also looks to solar energy to actualise its goal, with a project led by AMEA Power exploring the potential for a 50 MW solar farm in the Brazzaville region.
Additionally, the government is working to diversify its energy mix.
Chinese firm Wing Wah’s gas monetization project, currently under development, aims to deliver 400 MW of gas-fired power, with 200 MW to be integrated into the national grid.
The government’s strategy largely involves collaboration with the World Bank and the Rockefeller Foundation through the Mission 300 initiative.
Launched in April 2024, Mission 300 targets providing electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.
The World Bank and the African Development Bank have committed significant resources to the initiative, aiming to reduce the number of people without access across the continent.
Minister Ouosso, stressing the importance of these partnerships, said, “With the support of international initiatives like Mission 300, we are poised to make significant strides in electrifying our nation and improving the quality of life for our citizens.”
However, Congo’s power sector has received a boost with the recommissioning of the GT1 turbine of the Centrale Électrique du Congo (CEC) power plant.
This action is expected to boost Congo’s electricity production capacity, addressing power shortages that have previously impeded the nation’s economic growth and development.
