By:Zawya

Central Africa holds significant renewable energy potential, particularly in hydropower and solar PV sources. At present, hydropower generates approximately 70% of the region’s electricity. With aims to diversify the energy mix through innovative renewable energy projects, countries including the Republic of Congo, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are spearheading developments in biogas, biofuels, solar power and green hydrogen.

Agri-Hub: Republic of Congo

Italian oil major Eni has partnered with the Republic of Congo to develop  a large-scale biofuel project focusing on castor oil cultivation. The initiative aims to utilize 150,000 hectares of marginal lands by 2030, providing feedstock for bio-refineries. In March 2025, Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo visited the Loudima agri-hub to assess the project. This facility is designed to process vegetable oil from non-edible crops like castor beans, contributing to Eni’s biorefinery operations. The project aims  to produce 30,000 tons of vegetable oil annually, with plans to scale up to 200,000 tons by 2030.

Ignié Hybrid Renewable Project: Republic of Congo

Congolese firm  Tinda energy , in partnership with Chinese engineering company Complant, is developing the 65 MW Ingié 2021–2046 project. Situated in the Ignié Special Economic Zone, this renewable energy initiative will combine 55 MW from a hybrid solar power plant and 10 MW from a biomass facility. With operations expected to begin by the end of the year, the project aims to enhance the capacity of the Republic of Congo’s national grid and supply power to the industrial and commercial park of Maloukou.

Makelele Biogas Project: DRC

U.S.-based company Symbion Power has been awarded  a contract to develop the Makelele Biogas Project in the DRC. The project is a 60 MW gas-to-electricity system utilizing biogas from Lake Kivu in the country. With an investment exceeding $300 million, the project aims to enhance electricity access in the North and South Kivu provinces, contributing to the country’s goal of increasing energy access from 10% to approximately 32% by 2030. The Makelele Biogas Project is set to come online in 2028.

Green Hydrogen Project: Gabon

The Green Hydrogen Project in Gabon, launched through a partnership between the Gabonese government and Saudi group Al Sharif in May 2024, aims to establish large-scale green and white hydrogen production. Phase 1 will involve constructing a 200 MW hydroelectric power plant to power an electrolyzer, producing 200,000 tons of green hydrogen annually, with a $900 million investment. Phase 2 will scale production to 1.6 million tons per year, requiring $4.6 billion.

World Bank’s Danzi Solar Plant: Central African Republic

The World Bank is supporting a comprehensive energy initiative in the Central African Republic aimed at enhancing electricity access and sustainability. The plan involves expansion of the Danzi solar power plant from 25 MW to 40 MW. The project encompasses the construction of five new solar PV mini-grids and the deployment of off-grid solar solutions, targeting schools, health centers and households. Upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure are also planned. Collectively, these efforts aim to provide over one million people with reliable electricity services by the end of 2027.