Congo DR energy report

• The key priorities of the Government are to increase the electrification rate to 100% in 2030, to exploit the huge hydro potential, to boost oil production, and to develop gas production.
• Perenco is the main oil producer.
• Since almost all electricity is produced from hydro, DR Congo's power supply depends strongly on the water level of the Congo River.
• The oil production is entirely exported.
• Motor fuel prices are among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• More than 90% of energy needs are covered by biomass.
• The electrification rate is among the lowest in the world.
• Several hydropower projects are under development, including the Grand Inga plant, which would be the largest hydropower plant in the world.

• Institutions & Energy Policy

  The Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources controls the power sector.

  The Ministry of Hydrocarbons is in charge of oil and gas issues. The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development is responsible for the management of forests and climate change.

• Energy Supply

  Resources:

  The country's main energy resource is hydroelectricity, with a very large potential of 100 GW (13% of the world's potential), located on the Congo River and its tributaries, with more than 40% of that potential situated on the site of Inga. So far, only 3% of this hydroelectric potential has been developed. Moreover, the country has coal (88 Mt), oil (30 Mt) and uranium (1.4 Mt) reserves.

• Energy Prices

  Oil:

  Gasoline and diesel prices are very high (among the top five countries in Sub-Saharan Africa), at about US$1/l in 2020. They decreased recently, following global price trends. That was not necessarily the case before, as prices are set by the government, which negotiates with oil importers on the average exchange rate to apply in the end-consumer price structure.

• Energy Consumption

  Energy consumption per capita is 0.4 toe, including around 100 kWh of electricity (2019).

  Total consumption has increased by 2%/year since 2012.

  Biomass covers 94% of the country's energy needs. Although it has a large surplus of firewood, the eastern part of the country, which is more populated, is subject to fast deforestation, just like the periphery of the cities.

• Issues & Prospects

  Electricity:

  About 50 GW of new capacities are announced. The most important project is Grand Inga (40 GW). Only 4 projects are under construction, 3 from hydropower (331 MW) and a 1 GW solar power plant.

• GENERAL OVERVIEW
• INSTITUTIONS AND ENERGY POLICY
• ENERGY SUPPLY
• ENERGY PRICES
• ENERGY CONSUMPTION
• ISSUES AND PROSPECTS
• DATA TABLES
• ABBREVIATIONS
• GLOSSARY

Download the Table of Contents

Below is a list of the Congo DR energy market report graphs:

• GRAPH 1: CO₂-energy emissions (MtCO₂)
• GRAPH 2: Installed electric capacity by source (2019, %)
• GRAPH 3: Gross power production by source (TWh)
• GRAPH 4: Power generation by source (2019, %)
• GRAPH 5: Gasoline & diesel prices (US$/l)
• GRAPH 6: Consumption trends by energy source (Mtoe)
• GRAPH 7: Total consumption market share by energy (2019, %)
• GRAPH 8: Final consumption market share by sector (2019, %)

In the Congo DR energy market report you will find the following tables:

• Economic Indicators: Annual historical data including population, GDP growth, imports and exports, inflation rate, energy security and efficiency indicators, CO₂ emissions.
• Supply Indicators: Historical data including oil and gas reserves, electric and refining capacity, energy production, power production and external trade. All are detailed by energy source.
• Demand Indicators: Historical data including consumption per inhabitant, consumption trends, total consumption by energy source, final consumption by energy source and sector, and electricity consumption by sector.
• Energy Balances: Single table displaying the overall energy industry balance per annum, also graphically displayed by energy sub-segment.
• Infrastructure Projects: Covers power plant projects by energy, technology, status and operator.