Title: The energy transition in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Kibali, leader in the use of renewable energies
Introduction :
The energy transition has become a major issue worldwide in order to meet the challenges of energy supply, climate change and the depletion of fossil resources. In this context, several mining companies have engaged in the production of renewable energies to reduce their carbon footprint and guarantee a more sustainable energy supply.
In this article, we will focus on Kibali, a giant of gold production in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has taken the turn of the energy transition by investing in hydroelectric and solar power plants. Let’s take a closer look at the actions taken by this company to contribute to the construction of an energy model that is more respectful of the environment.
Kibali’s leadership in the energy transition:
Kibali, led by Mark Bristow, has made a strategic decision to diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Thus, for several years, the company has invested in the construction of several hydroelectric and solar power plants in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In total, Kibali already has 4 power plants, of which 3 are hydroelectric and one is solar. The Nzoro hydroelectric plant, built between 2015 and 2017, has a capacity of around 22 MW. It has made it possible to increase the share of hydroelectric energy in Kibali’s energy mix to around 55%.
In 2017, Kibali inaugurated the Ambarau hydropower plant, with an installed capacity of 11 MW. Then in 2018, the Azambi hydroelectric power plant, also with a capacity of around 11 MW, was built. Thanks to the latter, the share of hydroelectricity in Kibali’s energy mix has reached almost 70%.
In 2020, Kibali also installed a grid stabilizer with a battery energy storage system, increasing the use of renewable energy to 79%.
Finally, Kibali does not intend to stop there and has launched an environmental and social impact study for the construction of a new solar power plant, scheduled to be operational by 2025. This plant will further strengthen the use of renewable energies in the company’s energy mix.
The impact of Kibali’s energy transition:
Kibali’s investments in renewable energy have several positive impacts. First, they reduce the company’s carbon footprint by replacing fossil fuels with cleaner energy sources. This contributes to the fight against climate change and the preservation of the environment.
Additionally, the use of renewable energy allows Kibali to reduce its dependence on fluctuating fossil fuel prices, thereby ensuring long-term financial stability.
Finally, Kibali’s energy transition also has positive effects on the Congolese population. By redistributing part of the energy produced to neighboring communities, the company contributes to improving access to electricity, particularly in rural areas.
Conclusion :
Kibali is an inspiring example of successful energy transition in the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By investing in renewable energies, the company contributes to the construction of a more sustainable energy model, while reducing its environmental impact and improving access to electricity for local communities.
Let’s hope that other mining companies will follow Kibali’s example and commit to concrete actions to accelerate the energy transition in the Democratic Republic of Congo and around the world. This will preserve our planet for future generations