We designed and facilitated the process that will bring affordable, green energy to half a million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), boosting economic growth and reducing carbon emissions. The African Solar Industry Association described it as ''probably the largest [solar] mini-grid project in the world''.
Our work with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is helping rebuild the country''s economy after decades of conflict and instability, including facilitating much needed international investment and access to reliable, green electricity.
The DRC is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of mineral deposits, and the size of Western Europe, yet the people remain some of the poorest in the world. Conflict has ravaged the country for decades, and it''s not surprising that the country''s infrastructure is fragile - only 10% of the country has access to reliable electricity.
On behalf of the FCDO, we have been working to support the DRC government with various projects over the past decade to improve the country''s ways of doing business, their public services, and energy supply.
In June 2021 we celebrated a landmark event, with three concession agreements signed that will bring affordable, green energy to half a million people, boosting economic growth and reducing carbon emissions. The African Solar Industry Association heralded our PwC Essor programme as ''probably the largest [solar] mini-grid project in the world''.
Four years ago we designed an innovative tendering process for international companies to bid to develop solar mini-grids in the North of the DRC, to provide reliable and affordable electricity. It''s expected these will serve around 24,000 households and 4,000 businesses, as well as schools and medical centres.
The chosen supplier will now design, build, operate and maintain these solar mini-grids, paving the way for economic growth and job creation, and a cut in carbon emissions through the displacement of diesel generation.
Our Engagement Partner and Global Client Partner for the FCDO, Andy Woodfield, said: "Our work here embodies The New Equation, leads to sustainable outcomes like job creation, quality of life improvements and a cut in CO2 emissions. I''m proud to see our team led by Andrea Talbot-West delivering on our joint PwC/FCDO Net Zero commitment by helping to move the scope of what was a non-climate and environment project to become, possibly the world''s largest ever solar mini-grid programme."
This achievement is recognised by the market as a landmark model having the capacity to scale up much-needed private investment in the DRC and beyond its borders. Other organisations, such as the World Bank Group have already received Essor''s templates with the aim to scale up this work in the DRC and other African countries.
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80 million people live in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but only 9% have access to electricity. Meanwhile, illegal logging for charcoal is decimating forests and impoverishing communities. ELAW partners in DRC are working hard to advance a national energy policy that meets this enormous need for power while protecting vital ecosystems.
ELAW partners Erick Kassongo, Executive Director of Congolese Center for Law and Sustainable Development (CODED) and Olivier Ndoole, Executive Director of Congolese Alert for the Environment and Human Rights (ACEDH), are learning about Congo''s current energy portfolio and exploring the promise of a green energy future. They are collaborating with a dozen Congolese organizations, including the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for the Monitoring of Reforms and Public Action (CORAP), to build a Congolese-led vision for energy access.
At a December workshop in North Kivu Province, Olivier brought together dozens of stakeholders to explore how hydro, solar, wind, and biogas could meet Congo''s electricity gap. This series of consultations in North Kivu is making community voices heard as critical decisions are being made about meeting energy needs in Congo. Erick provided technical assistance at these forums.
"Our aim is to influence energy policy at the national level," says Olivier. "We want a policy that protects the environment, respects human rights, and puts concerns of local communities at the center."
Olivier supports a local private operator’s solar hybrid project in Goma that aims to serve 5 million people by 2024. He also promotes the use of clean cooking based on renewable energy among women in vulnerable neighborhoods in Goma.
Meanwhile, ELAW is working closely with Erick Kassongo and his colleagues at CODED to study energy laws from other jurisdictions to craft best practices for Congo. "This is an effort to identify options for a strong legal framework for renewable energy, which currently does not exist," says Erick. He adds that the sector has grown since liberalization and opening to private operators.
Many thanks to The 11th Hour Project for making this vital work possible.We will keep you informed of our progress.For more information, please see: . January 29, 2022 – 13 min.Provincial consultations on energy policy and access to energy for all in North Kivu
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