Republic of Congo - Energy Production and Distribution SectorRepublic of Congo - Energy Production
Overview
The Republic of Congo’s energy sector is ripe for investment. The absence of reliable power grids and adequate electrical distribution has a dampening effect on investment and development, as potential investors typically have to provide their own power generation to operate effectively. Electricity production cannot keep up with demand; additionally, distribution cannot keep up with production, so production is often wasted or simply scaled back. The distribution system suffers from old, failing infrastructure and significant energy theft. A large percentage of clients – around 30% - don’t pay their bills, and it is estimated that in the first half of 2015, 53% of the produced energy was lost either technically or commercially. Accounting is so poor that the national electric company (SNE) is uncertain whether it is charging too much, too little, or the right amount, to recover costs.| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 (Estimated) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Local Production | 600 | 600 | 600 | 675 |
| Total Exports | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| Total Imports | 175 | 175 | 175 | 175 |
| Imports from the US | ||||
| Total Market Size | 625 | 625 | 625 | 700 |
| Exchange Rates | 493.53 | 591.42 | 592.44 |
total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports
Data Sources: Republic of Congo Ministry of Economy, World Bank
Leading Sub-Sectors
Infrastructure projects, technical assistance and national grid or distribution network upgrades are leading sub-sectors with investment potential.Opportunities
The Ministry of Energy and the national electric company (Société Nationale d' Electricité, SNE) are eager to find partners to work with them to improve services in the energy sector.Power Africa: Launched in 2013, Power Africa is a market-driven, U.S. Government-led public-private partnership to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. It also serves as a one-stop shop for private sector entities seeking tools and resources to facilitate doing business in Africa’s power sector. In 2016, the Electrify Africa Act unanimously passed both houses of Congress and was signed into law, institutionalizing Power Africa and establishing two goals: to add 20,000 MW of generation capacity, and expand electricity access to 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020. In bringing together more than 140 of the world’s top companies, development institutions, and financial entities, Power Africa employs a transaction-centered approach to directly address key constraints to project development and investment in the power sector. These interventions aim to de-risk investments and accelerate financial close -- from facilitating project bankability with financing and risk mitigation, to providing technical and transaction support, and engaging with host-government counterparts. Learn more about the full Power Africa toolbox or other opportunities offered by Power Africa.