In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Melci Holding, a local firm, and Soleos Energy, from India, are building a 200 MW solar power plant in Fipango, a village in the Kipushi territory of Haut-Katanga province. The project, which was kicked off on October 19, 2024, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and will cost $200 million. 

This solar plant will greatly help meet the region's increasing energy needs. It will nearly boost Haut-Katanga's installed capacity, from 119.52 MW (in 2023) to 319.52 MW.

The facility is expected to produce almost 350 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, benefiting over one million people. Initially, its output will be sold to Société Nationale d'Électricité (SNEL) under a 25-year contract, which will then distribute it to homes and businesses. The project is also expected to create over 2,000 jobs during construction and more than 500 permanent jobs when it is running.

Jason Temasfield, CFO of Soleos Energy, said that partnering with Melci Holdings strengthens their ability to deliver large solar projects. He added that the company aims to implement up to 1,000 MW of solar projects in the DRC. After meeting with project leaders, Julien Paluku, Minister of Foreign Trade, said this project is the first step in a larger plan to install solar parks with a total capacity of 500 MW.

The DRC is one of Africa’s most promising markets for energy development. The country wants to diversify its economy by developing agro-industry and processing its mineral resources locally. However, it has a critical need for electricity as its current capacity does not meet demand. According to "The Energy Progress Report 2023" from the World Bank and the International Energy Agency, the DRC has an electrification rate of 21%, one of the lowest rates in Africa.

Pierre Mukoko