Technical support to the solar energy program of Garamba National Park

We provide technical support for the implementation of a solar energy program in the peripheral areas of Garamba National Park in northeastern DRC as part of the project “Conservation of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development of protected Areas of Garamba” funded by the European Union and implemented by the African Parks company that manages the park.

This energy access improvement program aims to develop the solar energy market in selected areas of the park for the benefit of local communities. The expected results are:

1. Installation of at least three photovoltaic mini-grids with battery storage in the urban centers of Dungu, Tadu and Faradje for a total of more than 500kWp installed;
2. Deployment of individual solar systems (Solar Home System – SHS) in particular through the PAYGO (pay as you go) payment model;
3. Distribution of subsidised solar lanterns to the poorest households.

The first 2 hybrid solar mini-grids with a total capacity of 330 kWp were commissioned in the towns of Tadu and Faradje in June 2021. The 3rd mini-grid, with an installed capacity of 160kWp, is currently under construction and will be commissioned in the first half of 2025. By the end of September 2021, 3,200 solar lanterns and 950 kits had been sold.