In 2023, electricity consumption in Congo - Kinshasa is characterized by a significant reliance on low-carbon energy sources, which collectively contribute around 16 TWh annually. The majority of this energy comes from hydropower, supplying almost 14 TWh, while solar energy accounts for about 2 TWh. Additionally, the country depends on net imports for a small fraction of its electricity, around 1 TWh. Despite these efforts, the country's electricity consumption averages 164 kWh per person per year, which is a small fraction compared to the global average of approximately 3781 kWh per person per year. This low level of electricity generation can hinder economic growth and development, limiting the ability to support industrial activities, healthcare, and education, while emphasizing the urgency to expand electricity access to drive sustainable development.
Is Electricity Growing in Congo - Kinshasa?
Examining trends from the past, Congo - Kinshasa's electricity consumption per capita has not shown significant growth, remaining at low levels since reaching a peak in 1989. The per capita consumption in 2023, at 164 kWh, reflects a slight decrease from the record of 166 kWh set over three decades ago. The decline in low-carbon electricity generation is even more concerning, dropping from a previous high of 163 kWh/person in 1989 to 150 kWh/person in 2023. These stagnations highlight missed opportunities for development and emphasize the need to intensify efforts to reverse these trends, particularly in the realm of clean electricity capacity.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Congo - Kinshasa should focus on expanding its solar power capabilities, given that this is already a significant part of their current energy mix. Learning from other regions' successes, increasing solar capacity—similar to the impressive outputs seen in countries such as China (890 TWh) and the United States (314 TWh)—can drive substantial progress. Additionally, considering nuclear energy expansion, modeled after countries with strong nuclear outputs like the United States (781 TWh) and France (363 TWh), could produce other sustainable pathways for increasing electricity supply. Pursuing these avenues will help meet both current and future demands while minimizing reliance on fossil fuels, thus contributing to climate change mitigation and air quality improvement.
History
Congo - Kinshasa has experienced varied trends in low-carbon electricity generation over the decades. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, hydropower saw fluctuations, with minimal increases and decreases in output annually. The mid-1990s through early 2000s was marked by irregular growth with some setbacks. However, notable and consistent gains occurred in the 2010s, highlighted by an impressive hydropower increase in 2018 and 2019. The recent addition of solar power beginning in 2021 marks a significant step towards diversifying the country's clean energy portfolio. Despite interim progress, sustained expansion in clean energy capacity is required for meaningful long-term development.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.