Project Background

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is among the five most fragile, climate vulnerable and energy poor countries in the world. Its population experience profound human development challenges, including hunger, malnutrition, and lack of access to basic services. DRC has one of the lowest rates of electrification and energy consumption in the world, and the country lacks an interconnected national grid. While hydropower generates the vast majority of DRC’s electricity, regional disparities are pronounced and supply satisfies less than one-third of the 3GW in unmet and rapidly increasing demand.

In February 2020, Congolese solar developer Nuru officially inaugurated a 1.3 MW solar system in Goma - the provincial capital of North Kivu Province - becoming one of Africa’s largest off-grid solar minigrid in operation. The solar plant will eventually serve more than 750 households and small to medium-sized enterprises. Nuru’s mission is to empower the people of DRC by providing reliable and affordable renewable energy to Congolese households, businesses and organizations. This is the first project from which EPP is issuing P-RECs.

Role of Peace Renewable Energy Credit

EPP, with partner 3Degrees, facilitated the pre-sale of P-RECs from this project to Microsoft. This pre-sale funded the first of three phases of a solar-powered streetlight project in the neighborhood of Ndosho in Goma. The streetlights were identified as a priority by the community through consultations. These streetlights are enhancing safety and security in a densely populated area where high levels of crime have created an atmosphere of insecurity for residents and businesses.

Project outcomes/impact

On March 20, 2020, the streetlights were turned on, accompanied by celebrations in the streets. It is estimated that 35% of the population in Ndosho (or about 28,000 people) are benefiting from the first phase of this project. Two additional phases are planned for 2021 and 2022 through P-REC sales, extending streetlights across Ndosho.

Learn more

Press release from the inaugural sale of P-RECs.

Case study developed by 3Degrees discussing this first transaction