Energy transition in the DRC: Kibali, a gold giant invests in renewable energies
The energy transition is a major issue of our time, aiming to predict the post-oil era and to set up a sustainable energy model. With this in mind, many companies are turning to renewable energies, and this is the case of Kibali, a giant of gold production in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In recent years, Kibali has invested in the construction of several hydroelectric and solar power plants, with the aim of filling the energy deficit faced by mining companies in the DRC. Mark Bristow, Chairman and CEO of Barrick, recently presented Kibali’s achievements at a press conference.
Currently, Kibali has 4 power plants, of which 3 are hydroelectric and one is solar. The Nzoro hydropower plant, built between 2015 and 2017, has a capacity of around 22 MW, helping to increase the share of hydropower to around 55%. In 2017, the Ambarau hydropower plant was commissioned with an installed capacity of 11 MW. In 2018, the Azambi hydroelectric plant was built, increasing the share of hydroelectric energy to around 70%. Finally, in 2020, Kibali added a grid stabilizer and a battery energy storage system, which increased the use of renewable energy to 79%. To continue this momentum, an environmental and social impact study (ESIA) is underway, with a view to the construction of a solar power plant which should be operational by 2025.
These Kibali initiatives are particularly important in the context of the DRC, which has immense energy potential. Indeed, the country has a hydraulic potential of 100,000 MW, which makes it the first African country and gives it 13% of the world’s hydropower potential. If other mining companies decide to follow Kibali’s example and participate in the energy transition in the DRC, this could improve access to electricity, especially in rural areas.
The energy transition is a major challenge for our society, and Kibali is leading by example by investing in renewable energies in the DRC. Hopefully other companies will follow this path, helping to build a more sustainable energy future