As of 2023, electricity consumption in Congo - Kinshasa is notably low, with figures indicating a stark contrast compared to the global average. The country generates a modest amount of clean energy, totaling around 16 TWh, predominantly sourced from hydropower, which constitutes more than four-fifths of its low-carbon production. Solar energy contributes close to 2 TWh, alongside net imports of just over 1 TWh. When broken down per person, the electricity consumption is 164 kWh, which is a small fraction of the global average of 3,781 kWh per person. This significant disparity suggests potential economic and development constraints, as low levels of electricity generation can hinder industrial growth, reduce productivity, and limit access to modern conveniences and technologies.
Is Electricity Growing in Congo - Kinshasa?
Interestingly, the current pattern of electricity consumption does not show encouraging growth. The recent statistic of 164 kWh per person marks a slight decrease from the previous peak of 166 kWh per person in 1989. Clean energy generation is also experiencing a downtrend, with the recent statistic of 150 kWh per person, a decrease from the 1989 record of 163 kWh. This stagnation in both total and low-carbon electricity usage is a concerning trend, given the increasing need for reliable energy sources to support development and enhance the quality of life. It reflects a pressing need for systemic improvements to support the expansion of electricity capacity within the country.
Suggestions
Expanding solar technology, which already produces significant electricity in Congo - Kinshasa, provides a strategic pathway toward boosting low-carbon electricity generation. Insights from various innovative regions could guide the country's efforts. For instance, China has demonstrated a potent capacity for solar energy, generating 834 TWh, while India's rapid growth in solar output, reaching 134 TWh, exemplifies how tropical climates are advantageous for solar power. Moreover, partnerships or collaborations with nations like Brazil, which successfully blends wind and solar, could inspire similar hybrid solutions in Congo - Kinshasa. Additionally, embracing nuclear energy, as evidenced by France’s success in generating 379 TWh, can offer a reliable complement to solar efforts by providing a stable baseline power supply. Encouragingly, these examples highlight pathways for balancing energy portfolios through the integration of advanced solar and nuclear solutions.
History
Tracing the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Congo - Kinshasa reveals varied growth patterns over the decades. Notable increases in hydropower were seen in the late 1980s to the early 2000s, with periodic increments such as 0.7 to 0.9 TWh between certain years. However, its growth has been inconsistent, with setbacks like the 1.1 TWh decline in 1997. In contrast, more recent years from 2018 onward have seen a renewed focus, with hydropower and solar contributions rising steadily. Solar energy, a notable addition in 2021, has seen impressive gains of over 1 TWh annually. These fluctuations demonstrate a vital need for a stable and sustained increase in energy production, combining hydropower’s traditional strength with burgeoning solar potential, and possibly exploring nuclear avenues for a future-ready, clean energy grid.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.