In 2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo - Kinshasa) generates almost all its electricity from low-carbon sources, with more than half coming from hydropower at approximately 14 TWh and around 2 TWh from solar energy. Net imports add a small fraction, amounting to about 1.4 TWh. Altogether, these form the backbone of Congo - Kinshasa’s electricity generation, standing in stark contrast to much of the world, where fossil fuels still dominate. Despite this reliance on low-carbon electricity, Congo - Kinshasa's electricity consumption per capita is significantly low, at 164 kWh/person, which is a far cry from the global average of 3813 kWh/person. This difference highlights significant shortfalls in electricity access and developmental challenges, underscoring the urgent need to amplify generation to improve living standards and economic growth.
Is Electricity Growing in Congo - Kinshasa?
Examining the trend in Congo - Kinshasa, the current electricity consumption of 164 kWh/person represents a slight decrease from its record peak of 166 kWh/person in 1989. This downward shift is mirrored in the low-carbon sector, where production has dipped from 163 kWh/person in 1989 to 150 kWh/person in 2023. These figures reveal a worrying stagnation in electricity access over the decades, suggesting that Congo - Kinshasa has not kept pace with population growth or advancements in electricity generation. The lack of increase calls for an intensified focus on expanding electricity generation, especially low-carbon solutions, to not only meet current needs but also to prepare for future demands driven by technological advancements and electrification.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Congo - Kinshasa could significantly benefit from enlarging its solar capacities. The country produces a significant amount of electricity from solar, and there is immense potential for scale given the abundant sunlight in the region. Learning from successful examples globally, India offers a notable point of reference, having achieved more than 130 TWh from solar energy, a level that has propelled its clean energy transformation. Investing in scalable solar infrastructure could lead to a substantial increase in electricity output, enhancing both accessibility and sustainability. This approach aligns with global best practices seen across various countries that have harnessed solar energy to uplift their clean energy profile and address climate change while enhancing energy security.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Congo - Kinshasa has seen fluctuating fortunes, especially with hydropower, the dominant source for the nation’s electricity needs. In the 1980s, the country witnessed modest growth in hydropower, though it was intermittently curtailed by decreases such as the significant drop in 1997 when hydro generation fell by 1.1 TWh. The early 2000s saw a resurgence, which continued into the 2010s with notable year-on-year increases until recent times. Particularly in 2018 and 2019, the nation observed considerable increments to hydropower, marking a promising trend. Since 2021, solar energy has emerged as a new frontier in their low-carbon enterprise. This juxtaposition of past volatility against promising new solar developments could steer Congo - Kinshasa towards a more stable and sustainable low-carbon energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.