Chinese copper and cobalt producer CMOC plans to install PV plants and solar farms in the DRC with a total capacity of 600 MW within 18 to 24 months. This commitment was outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed on September 4, 2024, with the Congolese Ministry of Water Resources and Electricity during the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) in Beijing.

The first phase of the project will focus on Lualaba province, a key area for copper and cobalt production. The new facilities will provide electricity to both mining companies and local communities. CMOC operates two major mines in the DRC: Tenke Fungurume and Kisanfu.

In 2022, only 21.5% of the DRC's population had access to electricity, according to World Bank data. Unstable power supplies hinder mining operations and impact production. For instance, Ivanhoe Mines reported an 8% drop in copper production at Kamoa-Kakula in Q1 2024. The drop was partly due to electricity issues.

Despite these challenges, the DRC has significant potential for renewable energy. By the end of 2023, the country had 3,198 MW of installed renewable energy capacity, or over 5% of Africa's total. In 2022, the Central African nation produced 15,424 GWh of renewable electricity, accounting for 7.5% of Africa's total renewable production.

Emiliano Tossou