The International Solar Alliance (ISA) recently announced its commitment to providing electricity to more than 5 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo by 2024. This ambitious project is part of the “Global Solar Facility”, a initiative launched by ISA in collaboration with Nuru, one of the leading solar energy companies in the DRC.
The objective of this pilot project is to develop a solar energy production network with a capacity of 15 megawatts (MW) in the provinces of the two Kivus and Maniema. To achieve this goal, Nuru plans to install a series of mini-grids that will supply around 5 million people with electricity.
The collaboration between ISA, Nuru and the World Bank Group’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) was officially announced at the G20 Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting in July 2023. This collaboration aims to mobilize new investments in solar energy production, to increase access to electricity and strengthen energy security, particularly in countries that need it most.
ISA Director General Dr Ajay Mathur highlighted the importance of Nuru’s innovative approach in delivering this project. According to him, access to energy is essential to unlock the economic potential of a country and the markets present there.
This pilot project in the DRC is part of ISA’s broader efforts to promote solar energy in developing countries. The ultimate goal of the ISA is to provide clean, affordable and sustainable electricity to all by 2030.
In conclusion, the International Solar Alliance pilot project in the Democratic Republic of Congo aims to provide electricity to more than 5 million people by 2024. This initiative is the result of a collaboration between ISA, Nuru and MIGA, and aims to promote access to solar energy to strengthen the country’s energy security.