Congo targets 1,500MW power capacity by 2030

The Republic of Congo has announced plans to double its power generation capacity to 1,500MW by 2030, prioritising renewable energy projects to expand electricity access and support industrial development

Speaking at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum in Brazzaville, Congolese Minister of Energy and Water, Émile Ouosso, emphasised the initiative’s goal of improving energy access for the country’s six million citizens.

A significant component of this strategy involves partnerships with the World Bank and the Rockefeller Foundation through Mission 300, an initiative launched in April 2024 to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. The World Bank and the African Development Bank are key financial supporters, aiming to address the continent’s energy deficit.

Ouosso underscored the role of international collaboration, stating, “With the support of international initiatives like Mission 300, we are poised to make significant strides in electrifying our nation and improving the quality of life for our citizens.”

To achieve this, the Republic of Congo is leveraging its domestic renewable energy potential. The country has an estimated 27,000 MW of hydropower capacity, though only 1% has been developed. Several projects focusing on water diversion and storage techniques are being planned to optimize hydropower generation.

“Our most valuable energy resource is water. With proper investments, we can unlock this potential to generate more electricity, foster industrialization and electrify rural communities,” Ouosso stated. He further highlighted that 4,000MW of hydropower potential has been identified in the Brazzaville region, with projects aimed at delivering clean, reliable energy for both residential and industrial use.

Solar energy is also part of the country’s energy diversification strategy. AMEA Power is currently assessing the feasibility of a 5 MW solar farm in the Brazzaville region. Additionally, the government is incorporating natural gas into its energy mix, with Chinese firm Wing Wah developing a 400MW gas-fired power project, 200MW of which will be integrated into the national grid.

“If we modernise our power transmission infrastructure, we can transition away from fuel entirely,” Ouosso concluded.