Renewable Energy Integration in the DRC: A Strategic Modelling Study

The objective of our study was to model the integration of renewable energy into the electricity system in the DRC using OSeMOYS tool. In order to increase energy supply, we propose an energy mix that is appropriate for the Congolese situation. To achieve this, we developed three scenarios, including the least-cost scenario (LC), the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario and the renewable energy technologies uptake (RE) scenario. The first scenario considers the existing energy mix without any constraints. The second scenario is based on the government's policy of investment in the electricity sector. The third scenario requires non-investment in non-renewable energy sources. In terms of the results obtained, the least-cost scenario (LC) is less expensive than the other two scenarios, while the renewable energy scenario (RE) is more expensive than the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. However, the difference between the three scenarios is not significant. The LC scenario has invested in both non-renewable and renewable sources. The scenario is identical to BAU, with the exception of the difference in installed capacity. Despite the slightly lower cost than the other scenarios, RE appears to be the most optimal scenario for the DRC, taking into account the DRC's commitment to climate change mitigation. It is therefore recommended that political decision-makers and policymakers facilitate increased investments in the renewable energy sector and install solar and hydroelectric power stations through mini-grid and off-grid systems to increase the rate of access to electricity.