The DRC plans to build a 50-MW solar power plant in South Kivu with three potential sites already pre-selected. Reports have an unnamed Chinese firm to carry out the construction on behalf of the country’s national utility SociétéNationaled’Electricité (SNEL). The project is expected to be completed within a year, costing around $160 million.
Although the Asian firm remains unknown, China is heavily involved in the country’s mining sector. As Alternative Energy Africa has reported, many mining companies are looking to incorporate renewable energy into their energy-intensive projects and/or as leverage to gain bids on further mining contracts. One of the main mining companies in the DRC is Sicomines, a JV between a group of Chinese firms including Sinohydro and the DRC’s Gecamines SA.
In 2010, Sicomines promised that solar panels would be installed in Kinshasa and Lubambashi; however, to date the project has failed to reach fruition. Synohydro is involved in several renewable energy projects, mainly hydropower, throughout the continent. In addition, the firm ventured into solar power in 2012 for a project in China. Alternative Energy Africa has reached out to Synohydro in regards to its possible involvement in the 50 MW solar project. We will continuously update this story as more information is provided.
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