Early September marked progress in expanding energy access across the Republic of Congo during a Mini-Grid Regulation Training with key stakeholders in Brazzaville to support the development of a national mini-grid regulatory framework.
While investors and private operators have expressed interest in developing off-grid renewable energy projects, Congo lacks a regulatory or tariff framework for mini-grids and its rural electrification rate remains around 1%. The country aims to reach 50% by 2030, under its National Energy Compact. In addition to transmission and distribution grid extensions, mini-grids are a crucial mechanism for achieving this target.
In partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Hydraulics (MEH) and the Electricity Sector Regulatory Agency (ARSEL), GET.transform organised the training to introduce mini-grid business models, strengthen stakeholders´ understanding of technical, economic and institutional fundamentals of mini-grids, and initiate the development of the national mini-grid regulation. The training was led by Sylvain Boursier, Off-Grid Electrification specialist from Inensus GmbH and part of GET.transform’s expert pool.
Attendees gained hands-on, practical experience with the African Forum for Utility Regulators´ (AFUR) mini-grid regulation tool, developed in collaboration with GET.transform. Detailed group exercises encouraged partners to collaboratively explore topics such as tendering and licensing to create a comprehensive group vision for mini-grids in the Republic of Congo.
23 representatives from various institutions attended, including Ministry of Energy and Hydraulics (MEH), General Directorate of Energy, Ministry of Environment (DGE), Electricity Sector Regulatory Agency (ARSEL), National Rural Electrification Agency (ANER), Electricity Sector Development Fund (FDSEL), Electricity of Congo (E2C), Oyo Centre of Excellence (CEO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
This workshop provided Congolese stakeholders with the knowledge needed to draft a robust and transparent mini-grid regulatory framework for the Republic of Congo for future integration in the Electricity Law and its implementing decrees. The current Electricity Code of 2003 does not include specific provisions for renewable energy or mini-grids and GET.transform is assisting stakeholders in reviewing the code through a parallel activity.
Led by AFUR, another stakeholder training will follow, focusing on tariff-setting for mini-grids.
The ongoing capacity building is essential for sector representatives to establish the regulatory framework needed for sustainable mini-grids. Unlocking this dimension will play a critical role in expanding future clean and reliable electricity access in Congo.
