Congolese Entrepreneur Launches Lumbwe Photovoltaic Power Plant
Participants at the energy conference in Lualaba witnessed the fruition of a pioneering initiative as they toured the Lumbwe photovoltaic power plant, spearheaded by Congolese entrepreneur Éric Monga’s Kipay Investments.
Situated in the village of Lumbwe, the project stands as a testament to homegrown innovation and determination to address Katanga’s pressing electricity shortage.
Driven by entirely Congolese capital, Kipay Investments seized the opportunity presented by the liberalization of the electricity sector to embark on this transformative venture.
From inception to execution, the project was steered by local talent, with Congolese engineers overseeing every aspect, from design to construction.
Leading Building Katanga (LBK) led the engineering efforts, collaborating with fellow Congolese firms like EKMM for civil engineering and Smart Congo for solar panel installation.
The Lumbwe Photovoltaic Power Plant, situated on the outskirts of Fungurume, boasts a capacity of 2.4 MW, complemented by a 1.8 MW battery system.
This setup ensures consistent energy production, with peak output of 2.1 MW sustained for up to 5 hours. The ambitious project, targeting a maximum capacity of 48 MW, marks a significant step towards bridging the region’s electricity deficit.
With 4,368 solar panels spanning across 7 hectares, the plant harnesses renewable energy to power the surrounding communities.
Equipped with a sun-tracking system, the plant optimizes production by 15%, while its control room, equipped with AI technology, forecasts weather patterns and electricity demand, enhancing operational efficiency.
Despite the challenges, including a tight timeline of eight months for setup, the Lumbwe power plant promises a lifespan of 25 years, offering a beacon of sustainable energy for the region’s future.
