In 2023, electricity consumption in Congo - Kinshasa predominantly stems from low-carbon sources, with hydropower leading at around 13.7 TWh followed by solar contributing around 2.2 TWh. Together, these clean energy sources significantly outpace electricity from fossil fuel sources. Additionally, the country benefits from net electricity imports, which contribute an additional 1.4 TWh to its clean energy mix. Despite these efforts, the total electricity consumption per person in Congo - Kinshasa is a mere 164 kWh, starkly below the global average of 3,649 kWh per person. This significant gap may result in limited access to electricity for the population, hindering economic development, technological growth, and improvements in living standards.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Congo - Kinshasa?
Electricity consumption in Congo - Kinshasa appears to have stagnated over the years. The latest consumption of 164 kWh per person represents a minor decline from the highest recorded figure of 166 kWh per person in 1989. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a slight decrease from its peak of 163 kWh per person in 1989 to the current 150 kWh per person. These declines reflect a need for proactive measures to increase electricity generation to satisfy current demands and anticipate future needs. The absence of growth in electricity, particularly from sustainable sources, raises concerns about the nation's ability to meet its energy needs.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation in Congo - Kinshasa, there could be significant benefits from expanding existing solar capabilities, given the notable contribution of solar power to the country's energy mix. Globally, advancements in solar power, evidenced by China's substantial generation of 1,114 TWh, offer a template for large-scale solar investments. Additionally, the potential for nuclear energy should be explored, inspired by the successes of countries like France, where nuclear generation accounts for 371 TWh. Careful planning, alongside learning from international practices, could propel Congo - Kinshasa toward a more sustainable and reliable electricity future.
History
Tracing the history of low-carbon electricity in Congo - Kinshasa, hydropower has demonstrated variable growth since the mid-1980s. In the early 90s, fluctuations in hydropower were notable, with years of both positive and negative growth. Significant increases were observed in the late 1990s and 2000s, with small downturns along the way. Recent years saw promising expansions, particularly with the introduction of solar power in 2021, which contributed positively. Although there have been inconsistencies in low-carbon electricity generation, the upward trends, particularly with solar, indicate a promising direction that, with robust strategic focus on solar and nuclear, can turn into sustained growth.
