The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the second biggest and fourth most populated country in Africa, which spreads over 2,345,441km² with a population of 78.7 million. Yet the DRC has one of the lowest rates of electrification in the world. Only approximately 10% of the population has access to electricity, 35% in urban areas (44% in Kinshasa) and less than 1% in rural areas. The national utility company, SNEL (Société Nationale d’Electricité), accounts for 94 % of the total installed capacity (2,677 MW) and nearly all electricity is produced from hydropower. In off-grid areas, electricity demands are met with small, scattered diesel generators, kerosene lamps and battery torches. Their fossil fuel dependence, which is unsustainable and costly, is expected to intensify as the population and power demand grow. With limited grid expansion prospects in near future, power sector development in the DRC will continue to rely on inefficient off-grid solutions with a high carbon footprint if not triggered to shift to a low emission pathway. Read more or
