LowCarbonPower logo
Instagram Facebook X (Twitter)

Electricity in Congo - Kinshasa in 2021

Global Ranking: #149
98.0% #9 Low-carbon electricity
13.37 watts #197 Generation / person
32.44 gCO2eq/kWh #9 Carbon Intensity

Based on the data for 2021, the electricity consumption in Congo - Kinshasa is primarily low-carbon, with a total of a little above 11 TWh generated from hydropower. This is dramatically lower than the global average electricity consumption, which rests at around 410 watts per person. This vast discrepancy can significantly impact the country's development. Key sectors such as healthcare, education, and industry rely heavily on consistent and adequate power supply, underscoring the correlation between energy availability and overall socioeconomic development. It is also likely to impact the citizens' quality of life directly. Without sufficient electricity, basic amenities like lighting, refrigeration, and home heating – things often taken for granted in more developed nations – can be substantial challenges.

Suggestions

Congo - Kinshasa can aggressively work towards increasing their low-carbon electricity generation. A successful strategy can be to emulate energy policies from countries with substantial low-carbon energy output. Taking a cue from Brazil, which has successfully harnessed wind energy for almost 94 TWh, Congo - Kinshasa can invest in wind energy infrastructure, especially considering its large unused landmass with a good wind regime. Similarly, looking towards countries like India and the People's Republic of China, who have effectively tapped into solar energy for 120 TWh and 523 TWh, respectfully, solar energy options can be explored and exploited. Investing in these additional sources of energy would not only diversify their energy mix but also increase overall energy generation and provide a robust backup for the existing hydropower systems during dry seasons or maintenance periods.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Congo - Kinshasa has been predominantly reliant on hydropower. Since the mid-1980s, there have been several years of incremental increases in hydro-electric power ranging from 0.4 to 1.1 TWh, punctuated by a few years of slight decreases. For instance, in 1985, hydroelectric power generation saw an increase of 0.4 TWh. It peaked in 2018 with an increase of 1.1 TWh. However, occasional years of decline, such as 1991, 1997, 1998, and the significant decrease of 0.9 TWh in 2021, serve as reminders that relying solely on hydropower can be risky given the potential impacts of climate change on water availability. These trends emphasize the urgent need for Congo - Kinshasa to diversify its low-carbon energy profile.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources

For the years 1980 to 1989 the data sources are EIA and IEA (imports/exports).
For the years 1990 to 2001 the data source is IEA.
For the years 2002 to 2005 the data source is Ember.
For the years 2006 to 2018 the data source is IEA.
For the years 2019 to 2021 the data source is Ember.
Instagram Facebook X (Twitter)