DR Congo Awards Contract For Largest 3 MW Solar Power Plant In Nioki Centre

The EMC ELICOM consortium has won a contract to develop a 3-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant in Nioki Centre, located in the Maï-Ndombe Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The project is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to expand access to electricity in rural and peri-urban areas where power supply remains limited.

The contract was awarded by ANSER, the national agency responsible for promoting electrification outside the country’s major cities. According to the announcement, the new solar facility will be the largest individual project under ANSER’s current decentralized energy program, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving energy access in underserved regions.

Nioki Centre is an important economic location in Maï-Ndombe Province. Situated along the Fimi River, the town serves as a key transportation and logging hub. However, despite its commercial importance, the area has struggled for many years with unreliable and insufficient electricity. The lack of stable power has affected public services and limited opportunities for industrial and economic development.

The upcoming solar power plant is expected to bring significant benefits to the local community. Once operational, it will provide a more reliable electricity supply for households, businesses, and public facilities. Improved power availability is also expected to support local economic activities, including milling operations and clean water production, which depend on consistent energy access.

The project is also expected to reduce the region’s dependence on diesel generators, which are often costly to operate and maintain. By replacing a portion of diesel-based electricity generation with solar energy, businesses and residents could benefit from lower energy costs and improved environmental sustainability.

The development of the 3 MW solar plant marks an important step in strengthening renewable energy infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of the Congo while supporting economic growth and improved living conditions in Nioki Centre.