10MW solar power plant to be built in DR Congo with Egypt’s support
Increasing access to electricity is one of the priorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With an electrification rate of 19% in 2018, according to the World Bank, the country is seeking to increase its power by building power plants with the support of its partners.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has just signed an agreement with Egypt for the establishment of a solar power plant in the Central African country. The 10 MW infrastructure will be located in Tshipuka in Eastern Kasai Province.
Its construction was entrusted to Hassan Allam Construction and its subsidiary Power Generation Engineering and Services Company (PGESCO) as part of an over-the-counter procedure. It will cost $19.7 million and its production will serve the province’s residents pending the commissioning of the Tshibasa hydroelectric power plant.
The agreement on the construction of this power plant took place during the visit of the Congolese President, Felix Tshisekedi to Egypt from 1 to 3 February. A total of $400 million in investments were secured by the DRC during this trip.
Among other projects financed are the 185 km Mbuji-Mayi-Kananga route, the establishment of a water treatment plant on the Lubi River, the installation of fibre optics throughout Congolese territory and the construction of the town of Kitoko, which will be an extension of the capital. All of these projects will be carried out with the support of Egyptian companies who will finance them to the tune of 70%.
