DRC: The micro-hydro dam project, a response to energy challenges

On Tuesday, August 27, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka hosted a crucial meeting at the Primature with Mr. Paul Hinks, CEO of MYHYDRO, and his delegation. The discussions focused on the installation of micro-hydro dams, with a particular emphasis on an upcoming project on the Luby River in Kabeya-Kamwanga, located 45 km west of Mbujimayi, the capital of Kasaï-Oriental province.

The Kabeya-Kamwanga micro-hydro project stands as one of MYHYDRO’s flagship initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). “The site at Kabeya-Kamwanga has been identified as the first to benefit from our micro-hydro technology. We have discussed with the Prime Minister the necessary steps to expedite the process,” Paul Hinks remarked, emphasizing the project’s critical importance for the region.

This project is part of a broader national program that envisions the installation of micro-hydro dams at 33 sites across the country.

These initiatives aim to provide clean and sustainable energy to local communities while boosting the economic development of the regions involved.

The project’s significance is evident, offering a substantial, though partial, solution to the DRC’s ongoing energy challenges.

The Kabeya-Kamwanga project aligns with the Government’s Action Program (PAG 2024-2028), which advocates for the sustainable and responsible management of natural resources.

By incorporating smart technologies to optimize water and electricity management, this micro-hydro dam addresses current climate challenges while strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure.

The meeting also included the participation of Hydrocarbons Minister Aimé Sakombi Molendo and Water Resources and Electricity Minister Teddy Lwamba, both of whom expressed their support for the initiative.

Their involvement underscores the government’s commitment to promoting innovative energy projects like Kabeya-Kamwanga, which holds the potential to transform the DRC’s energy landscape and foster more sustainable development.

The Kabeya-Kamwanga micro-hydro project exemplifies how the DRC can tackle its energy challenges by investing in sustainable solutions tailored to local realities.

It represents a promising step towards a cleaner, more self-reliant energy future for the country.

Jean-Robert TCHANDY