Congo Targets 1,500 MW Power Capacity by 2030 with Renewables at the Core

Topics on the agenda included cross-border energy cooperation, regulatory reforms to attract foreign direct investment, and public-private partnerships aimed at accelerating electrification.

The Republic of Congo has announced an ambitious plan to more than double its national power generation capacity to 1,500 megawatts (MW) by the year 2030. This initiative, unveiled at the first-ever Congo Energy & Investment Forum held in Brazzaville from March 24 to 26, 2025, is centered on expanding access to electricity, accelerating industrialization, and harnessing the country's abundant renewable energy resources.

Speaking at the forum, Congolese Minister of Energy and Water, Émile Ouosso, emphasized the government's commitment to transforming the nation's energy landscape through both domestic investment and international collaboration. "This is a pivotal step toward electrifying our country and boosting economic development," he said. "Our goal is to provide clean, affordable, and reliable energy for our people and our industries."

Powered by Partnerships: Mission 300 and Global Support

A cornerstone of the strategy is Congo's participation in the continental "Mission 300" initiative, launched in April 2024 by the World Bank and the Rockefeller Foundation. The program seeks to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. Congo's alignment with this vision positions it to benefit from international funding, technical support, and strategic guidance.

Minister Ouosso praised these partnerships, stating, "With the support of initiatives like Mission 300, along with critical investments from the World Bank and the African Development Bank, we are poised to make lasting progress in closing our national energy gap."

Tapping into Untapped Hydropower

The Republic of Congo is home to an estimated 27,000 MW of hydropower potential, yet only 1% of that capacity has been developed to date. The government now aims to change that narrative by investing in modern hydropower technologies, including water diversion systems, dam upgrades, and run-of-river schemes.

"We have identified at least 4,000 MW of hydropower capacity just in the Brazzaville region alone," said Minister Ouosso. "Our most valuable energy resource is water. By tapping into it wisely, we can electrify rural communities, drive industrial activity, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels."

Several hydropower projects are in the planning or feasibility stages, with emphasis on environmentally sustainable approaches and inclusive community development. These efforts are expected to provide baseload power, stabilize the national grid, and reduce power outages.

Solar and Gas in a Diversified Energy Mix

In addition to hydropower, Congo is moving swiftly to diversify its energy sources. Solar power is playing an increasingly prominent role in the country's renewable strategy. Dubai-based AMEA Power is currently conducting feasibility studies for a 50 MW solar photovoltaic plant near Brazzaville. The project is expected to break ground in late 2025 and could eventually scale to provide energy to thousands of households and businesses.

Meanwhile, natural gas is also being integrated into the energy mix as a transitional fuel. Chinese energy company Wing Wah is developing a gas monetization project that will generate 400 MW of electricity, with 200 MW earmarked for integration into the national grid. The remaining output will support local industries and potential power export agreements with neighboring countries.

Minister Ouosso emphasized the long-term benefits of a modernized energy system, saying, "If we upgrade our transmission and distribution infrastructure, we can transition away from costly fuel-based generation and pave the way for a fully renewable future."

The Role of the Congo Energy & Investment Forum

Held under the high patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum served as a landmark event, drawing over 600 delegates including investors, policy makers, and energy experts from across Africa and beyond. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), the forum facilitated discussions on energy access, infrastructure development, and financing strategies.

Topics on the agenda included cross-border energy cooperation, regulatory reforms to attract foreign direct investment, and public-private partnerships aimed at accelerating electrification.

In his closing remarks, Minister Ouosso reiterated the government's open-door policy to investors and development partners. "We are ready to work with stakeholders who share our vision of a brighter, cleaner, and more prosperous Congo. Together, we can turn our energy potential into real power for progress."

As the country charts a new energy future, this bold initiative marks a transformative step for the Republic of Congo and adds momentum to Africa's collective push toward sustainable development and universal energy access.