- A 12 MW solar/BESS hybrid project will soon be constructed in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The original tender issued earlier this year by the ministry’s Project Coordination and Management Unit (UCM), seeking qualified EPC contractors closed on June 6, 2025.
Funded by the German development bank KfW, the project includes the construction of a 12 MW photovoltaic solar park supported by 15 MWh of lithium-ion battery storage and diesel backup. It will supply power to two existing pumping stations, Lukelenge and Bakwa-Kapanga, as well as a third planned site, helping ensure more reliable water access for thousands of residents in a region frequently affected by electricity shortages.
The hybrid system will be connected to SNEL’s 15 kV grid via the Bipemba substation. As part of the scope, the selected contractor will also upgrade and extend over 17km’s of medium-voltage infrastructure to integrate the plant into the regional grid and enable the transfer of energy to REGIDESO’s facilities.
The project will be implemented under a FIDIC Silver Book contract, including a two-year operation and maintenance assistance period. Emphasis is placed on local capacity building and technical transfer, with REGIDESO staff expected to play an increasing role in managing the system over time.
This initiative is part of broader cooperation between the DRC and the German government to improve access to basic services using renewable energy solutions. It aligns with the country’s energy transition goals and offers a replicable model for powering essential utilities through decentralized clean energy.
Once operational, the hybrid plant is expected to substantially reduce REGIDESO’s reliance on diesel fuel, lower operational costs, and improve the resilience of the public water supply in Mbuji-Mayi.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
