SkyPower, AFC partner to co-develop a 200MW solar plant in DRC

SkyPower Global, a leading utility-scale renewable energy developer has concluded a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) for the co-development of a 200MW solar power plant in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The project forms part of a larger 1,000MW Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed between SkyPower and the DRC’s state-owned utility, Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL).

“Partnering with SkyPower, an institution known for their decades of global expertise in large-scale solar projects, is well aligned with our mission to advance energy access on the continent through renewable energy,” said Amadou Wadda, Senior Director of Project Development and Technical Solutions at Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

“Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute significantly to rapid industrialisation, local job creation, sustainable economic growth and a pragmatic transition to net zero in DRC and Africa as a whole,” Wadda added.

AFC revealed that all necessary approvals for the project were secured and land allocation was completed. This will ensure a swift transition to the development stage and the commencement of construction by 2025.

Kerry Adler, President & Chief Executive Officer of SkyPower, commended AFC’s role in accelerating the deployment of renewable energy projects across the continent to help drive economic development, create job opportunities, and tackle climate change. 

“Partnering with AFC exemplifies a concerted effort toward realizing the ambitious goals set by forward-looking countries such as the DRC, aiming for a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone,” Adler noted. “This agreement underlines AFC’s pivotal contribution to promoting renewable energy solutions and both AFC and SkyPower’s unwavering commitment and dedication to ensuring a greener, more resilient world.”