In the bustling city of Goma, nestled in the Democratic Republic of Congo, solar energy has transformed once-shadowy neighborhoods into spaces of vibrancy and hope. Once reliant on loud and polluting diesel generators, parts of Goma now enjoy the peaceful hum of solar power at work. The development of solar networks in the region represents a significant contribution towards providing sustainable energy solutions to areas ridden with conflict and poverty. Advocates of renewable energy see this model as a beacon for future developments.
Jonathan Shaw, CEO of Nuru, recalls the joy in the streets when public lighting was first introduced. “People celebrated spontaneously, coming out to sing and dance,” he recalled. This milestone came in 2020, three years after Shaw, alongside his Congolese partner Archip Lobo Ngumba, created the first commercial solar minigrid in Beni. The success inspired local officials to seek similar initiatives in Goma. Backed by investors, Nuru constructed a 1.3-megawatt minigrid, enhancing the region’s resilience by connecting it to a hydropower grid from Virunga National Park. This network supports vital services like water distribution, internet connectivity, and other businesses, creating a ripple of positive economic activities in the community.
Residents and entrepreneurs feel the benefits, both financially and in improved safety. Mahamudu Bitego, a local welder, noted, “We’re saving money as we spend less on electricity compared to diesel generators, and it’s more reliable.” Street lights add an additional layer of security, dispelling areas where criminals once lurked, as noted by resident Choma Choma Mayuto Banga.
Despite working in conflict-prone zones, Nuru emphasizes its critical role in bringing much-needed electricity to the region. Even during dangerous periods, such as when the Rwandan-backed M23 militia stormed Goma, resulting in significant casualties, Nuru’s power grid remained operational. This resilience endeared it to the community, who protected the solar infrastructure from vandalism. Alain Byamungu Chiruza, Nuru’s senior business development director, highlighted the community’s recognition of the solar panels’ importance.
Nuru’s success story in Goma underscores the potential of decentralized power grids in expanding electrification across the nation. The company is in the process of developing another 3.7-megawatt plant in Goma but faces temporary delays due to security concerns. Nuru aims to supply electricity to 10 million Congolese by 2030. Sub-Saharan Africa houses a staggering 565 million people without electricity, making solar power an essential element of the continent’s energy future. Initiatives like these, promoted by the World Bank and African Development Bank, are crucial as they strive to bring solar electricity to 150 million people by the decade’s end.
Investors convinced of the long-term benefits of renewable energy in volatile regions, including the Schmidt Family Foundation, are championing Nuru’s endeavors. The firm also offers Peace Renewable Energy Credits (P-RECs), engaging corporations like Microsoft. These credits facilitate investments in fragmented, conflict-ridden regions, encouraging peace and development alongside climate action. Elizabeth Willmott, a sustainability expert, emphasizes how such initiatives enable corporations to make a tangible impact: “If companies must buy renewable energy, why not do so in a way that also supports communities in need?”
Nuru’s enduring commitment to sustainable development is reshaping perceptions. Jonathan Shaw hopes that through Nuru’s consistent efforts, they will dismantle the skepticism that often surrounds foreign ventures. “We’re not just looking to light a bulb but to build sturdy infrastructure that sustains future generations,” Shaw asserts.