Recent Initiatives Boost Project Development

Congolese firm Tinda Energy secured a financial agreement with Chinese engineering company Complant in November 2024 to develop the Ingié 2021-2046 project - a 65 MW renewable energy initiative. Situated in the Ignié Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the project will generate 55 MW from a hybrid solar plant and an additional 10 MW from a biomass facility. Set for completion within 18 months, the project will cover a 100-hectare site allocated for renewable energy development within the SEZ.

Meanwhile, in 2023, the country inaugurated its first renewable energy research center in Oyo, focusing on applied research to develop the potential of hydropower, biomass, wind and solar energy. A result of the cooperation between the Congolese government, Italian energy major Eni and the UN Industrial Development Organization, the Oyo center exemplifies the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix and creating an integrated energy value chain that leverages both renewable and oil and gas resources.

To further support renewable energy adoption, Italy’s Mettei Plan for Africa – a plan that aims to strengthen renewable energy investment and development in Africa - emphasizes diversifying the country’s economy towards renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation while reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. By channeling financing through Italian export credit agency Società per Azioni per il Credito all’Esportazione and the Italian Climate Fund towards green projects, Italy seeks to foster non-oil sectors and assist the Congo in implementing tax reforms and climate resilience strategies that align with European climate goals.

Unlocking Congo’s Solar Potential

Earlier this year, Eni announced the actions and objectives of an integrated energy project in the Republic of Congo. The project aims to bring electricity to 33 community facilities – 11 health centers and 22 drinking water wells – powered by solar panels. Meanwhile, UAE renewable energy company AMEA Power recently signed a MoU with the Congolese government to develop a 100 MW solar photovoltaic project. Representing the first large-scale solar project in the country and paving the way for future developments, the plant will advance clean energy access in the Congo, where approximately 50% of the population lack access to electricity.

Harnessing the Power of Hydropower

In addition to solar, the government is prioritizing the development of hydropower nation-wide. Specifically, the construction of the Sounda hydropower dam – the largest in the country – will begin in January 2025. The $9.4 billion project - financed and led by China Overseas - is set to generate 600-800 MW of electricity, marking a crucial step in the country’s energy transformation. As the largest renewable venture in the Congo’s history, the Sounda dam will not only bolster energy security, but also catalyze further investment in the country’s sustainable energy sector.

The country boasts an estimated hydropower potential of 22,000 MW, of which only 3% is harnessed. To date, three dams are operational in the country: the 120 MW Imboulou, 74 MW Moukoukoulou and 19 MW Liouesso hydroelectric dams. In addition to the Sounda hydropower project, the Congo awarded China Gezhouba Group International Engineering the contract for the 600 MW Chollet hydroelectric project on the Dja River in 2021. Environmental and financial studies for the project are still currently ongoing. Meanwhile, other hydropower projects currently in development also include the 150 MW Murala, 150 MW Kouembali and 50 MW Loufoulakari plants.