In 2023, Congo - Kinshasa's electricity consumption primarily relies on low-carbon sources, generating about 16 TWh mainly from hydropower and solar. The majority of this low-carbon electricity comes from hydropower, contributing about 14 TWh, with solar contributing around 2 TWh. Additionally, the nation supplements its electricity supply through net imports of over 1 TWh. However, the overall consumption per person is strikingly low at just 164 kWh, which falls significantly short of the global average of 3781 kWh per person. Such low levels of electricity consumption can have substantial negative impacts on economic development and quality of life, hindering industrial growth and modernization, as well as access to healthcare, education, and technology.
Is Electricity Growing in Congo - Kinshasa?
Despite the necessity for increased electricity generation, Congo - Kinshasa has witnessed stagnation in its electricity growth over decades. The most recent figures show a slight decrease in consumption per person, from the historical peak of 166 kWh in 1989 to 164 kWh in 2023. The situation is similar for low-carbon electricity generation, which has also seen a drop from 163 kWh per person in 1989 to 150 kWh per person today. This decline poses a significant concern, as it illustrates a lack of progress towards meeting the demands of a growing population and the increasing global emphasis on sustainable energy solutions.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Congo - Kinshasa should prioritize the expansion of its solar capacity, which has proven to be a viable and effective option in this region. Additionally, it would benefit from observing successful strategies implemented by similar regions, such as the People's Republic of China and the United States, which generate substantial amounts of electricity from solar and nuclear sources, respectively. The significant contribution of solar energy to clean electricity generation in countries like China and the United States serves as an encouraging model for Congo - Kinshasa to emulate. By investing in solar power and, potentially, exploring nuclear options, the country could significantly enhance its electricity supply and reliability.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Congo - Kinshasa has been marked by fluctuations, predominantly in the hydropower sector. During the 1980s, moderate growth was observed with slight increases in hydroelectric output in 1985 and 1989. The following decade experienced some variability, as seen with a decrease in 1991 and 1993, offset by increases in subsequent years like 1995 and 2000. The years from 2013 onward have generally seen positive growth trends, especially between 2018 and 2020. The recent introduction of solar energy in 2021 and its expansion in 2022 reflect a promising trend towards diversification of clean electricity sources. This shift towards solar energy, when coupled with consistent improvements in hydropower generation, suggests a potential roadmap for further progress in the country's low-carbon electricity landscape.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.