Electrochemical Energy Storage in Democratic Republic of Congo

Can the Democratic Republic of the Congo produce lithium-ion battery cathode precursor materials?

London and Kinshasa, November 24, 2021 – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can leverage its abundant cobalt resources and hydroelectric power to become a low-cost and low-emissions producer of lithium-ion battery cathode precursor materials.

How many people live without electricity in the DRC?

This makes it the third largest population in the world without access to electricity. If electrification efforts follow the same pace as during the last decade, 84 million people – or 80% of total population – will still live without electricity in the DRC by 2030.

What solar projects are being built in the DRC?

The main existing solar project in the DRC is a 1MW solar mini-grid with 3MWh of battery storage capacity built by Enerdeal and Congo Energy in the city of Manono, to supply the local population and SMEs. Enerkac has also developed a 1MW hybrid plant powering SNEL’s Kananga mini-grid in Kasaï Central (non operational in 2019).

Why does DRC have a high electricity demand?

All segments of electricity demand are severely constrained by supply. Most demand in the residential sector is unmet, partly because DRC has one of the largest deficits in electricity access in the world and high geographical disparities (see chapter 2 for information about access). So is industrial demand.

How much does solar energy cost in DRC?

Equipping the remaining two third of the population with Tier 2 access to electricity through solar home systems comes with a much lower price tag, estimated at about USD 3.3 billion. Only a few private operators both local and international - have started to get into the DRC market.

How much would it cost to get grid electricity in DRC?

Providing all households of the 26 provincial capitals of DRC access to grid electricity through a mix of mid-sized hydro and solar power plants would cost approximately USD 10.5 billion in CAPEX. This would raise the access rate to about a third of the population, at a cost equivalent to 30% of GDP.