Electricity in Congo - Kinshasa in 2022

In 2022, Congo - Kinshasa's electricity consumption was primarily from hydropower, with low-carbon sources generating over 11 TWh, accounting for practically all of the nation’s clean electricity. The country also sourced more than 1 TWh through net imports, contributing modestly to its overall electricity availability. Despite these efforts, the electricity consumption per person in Congo - Kinshasa was significantly lower than the global average of 3,638 watts per person, indicating limited electricity distribution and accessibility. This low level of electricity generation can contribute to challenges in economic development, affect quality of life, and hinder progress in essential services such as healthcare and education.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Congo - Kinshasa could look to examples from countries that have successfully integrated different clean energy technologies. For instance, the People's Republic of China and India have made substantial investments in both wind and solar energy, generating hundreds of terawatt-hours annually. Brazil’s development of wind energy might also offer valuable insights, especially since Brazil and Congo - Kinshasa share similar challenges related to infrastructure and expanding energy access to remote areas. Learning from these countries, Congo - Kinshasa could develop a strategy that embraces the technical and policy frameworks necessary to harness wind and solar power, along with exploring the potential for nuclear energy to create a more diversified, reliable, and sustainable electricity grid.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Congo - Kinshasa has been marked by fluctuations in hydropower production. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there were small but varied changes, with some years seeing incremental growth and others experiencing a decline. The early 2000s showed a more consistent uptrend, with hydropower generation often rising by around 0.6 to 0.9 TWh in certain years. However, this growth was inconsistent, with some years recording declines, such as in 1997 and 2021. These variations underscore the necessity of diversifying the electricity mix to stabilize and secure energy supplies against climatic and other operational risks. A commitment to developing wind, solar, and especially nuclear energy could provide the robust, clean electricity generation needed to support the nation’s economic and social development goals.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources