- The multinational clean energy company, Hanergy Thin Film Power Group has secured a strategic order for setting up the 400MW solar PV power plants in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Building synergies to provide sustainable and stable energy supply in the DRC, the clean energy company and the Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources of Democratic Republic of Congo, on May 29 signed a strategic partnership framework agreement for 400MW solar power plant.
Under the agreement, the two parties along with the National Power Company of DRC will follow EPC+F financing model to make joint efforts through project cooperation and technical exchange to consolidate and increase cooperation in the fields of electricity, water, renewable energy and fuel.
The cooperation is intended to gradually reduce the energy scarcity faced by the mining industry in the provinces of Katanga, Lualaba, Kasaï-Oriental, Kasaï-Central, Kivu and Sankuru, where the two parties will set up SPV plants with a cumulative capacity of 400MW upon signing of the formal contract. The execution of the co-operation will begin in December this year.
José Maboya Nzalingo, General Secretary of Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources said: “Our strategic partnership with the global clean energy giant, Hanergy is a step ahead towards meeting DRC’s original target of 65% electrification by 2025, letting alone the new Sustainable Development Goals of universal electricity access by 2030.
“By dint of joining forces with Hanergy to set up the country’s first and the largest solar power station project, we’re confident of providing sustainable and stable energy supply in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
The initial strategic partnership framework agreement suggests that energy generated in the first stage is estimated to be 20MW, benefiting over 100,000 people.
With the total capacity of 400MW, the multiple power stations are expected to solve the problem of energy inadequacy of DRC.
The project is also aimed at generating around 10,000 jobs and providing education to create 100 technology specialists.
Guo Bin, CEO of Hanergy Uganda Company said: “We recognise the potential of renewable energy in Congolesemarket and have set out an organised and specific road map to accelerate our expansion plan in the country while supporting the unruly need of sustainable and stable energy supply in the country.”
According to Bin, the 400MW solar power station project is primarily aimed at meeting the on-peak demand of nearby mining companies and reduce local diesel consumption, while reducing carbon emissions substantially.
Author: Babalwa Bungane
This article was originally published on ESI Africa and is republished with permission with minor editorial changes.
