Electricity access in the country remains limited, with approximately 49% of urban areas and 12% of rural regions connected to the national grid. This disparity underscores the need for substantial investments in the power sector to improve accessibility and reliability. Enhanced energy infrastructure is crucial for supporting industrial activities, improving the quality of life for residents and fostering economic diversification. 

Current Landscape of the Power Sector

Congo is actively promoting private sector involvement in gas-based power generation. CEC, located in Pointe Noire, is the only power facility operating in the country. Established through a partnership between the Congolese state and the Italian oil major Eni, the plant was built to operate with three turbines, supplying electricity to approximately 2.8 million people – over 70% of Congo’s population. The recommissioning of GT1 in March 2025 is expected to restore the plant's full capacity of 484 MW, with plans underway to add a fourth turbine to further expand the CEC's output. 

Another private development is the Centrale Électrique de Djeno (CED), operated by Turkish power producer Aksa Enerji. Located in Pointe-Noire and supplied by oil and gas fields operated by Eni, the CED plans to commission its first turbine in March 2025, adding 27% more energy to the national grid, with a second turbine expected in the third quarter of 2025 after maintenance. Aksa Enerji also aims to invest in additional capacity and the installation of new transmission lines to export electricity beyond Congo's borders, further boosting regional cooperation. 

To address electricity shortages, regional interconnection offers a viable solution. The Boucle de l'Amitié Énergétique project, a 1,400 kV power line slated for commissioning in 2025, aims to interconnect the power grids of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. By facilitating cross-border electricity trade, this interconnection seeks to mitigate regional power shortages and enhance energy security across Central Africa. 

Investment Opportunities

Congo's energy sector offers promising opportunities for both foreign and local investors, especially in gas-to-power projects. The government's gas monetization strategy aims to harness the country's natural gas reserves, estimated at approximately 283 billion m3. Chinese developer Wing Wah's $2 billion integrated energy project, Banga Kayo onshore development, plans to produce nearly 30 billion m3 of associated gas over 25 years, reducing flaring and enhancing resource utilization.  

Additionally, Congo has potential for renewable energy development. The country boasts an estimated hydropower capacity of 22,000 MW, with only 3% currently utilized. Solar energy potential is also considerable, given Congo's equatorial location. Projects like the Sounda hydropower dam, set to generate 600-800 MW with construction beginning in January 2025, and the Ignié 2021-2046 project – a 65 MW hybrid solar and biomass plant in the Ignié Special Economic Zone – are steps toward harnessing these resources. 

While Congo faces challenges in its power sector, strategic investments can pave the way for a more stable energy future. The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, scheduled to take place in Brazzaville from March 24 to 26, 2025 represents a step toward realizing this potential. Supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, the forum will feature technical sessions focusing on the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country