Democratic Republic of the Congo Electricity: Generation Mix, Demand and Emissions
The Democratic Republic of the Congo generated 15.9 TWh of electricity in 2024, according to Ember. Hydro was the largest source at 84.2%, followed by solar (15.8%) and bioenergy (0.1%). Demand was 17.4 TWh and each kWh generated emitted 28 gCO2/kWh. These are annual statistics for 2024; they are compiled from national sources and are not real time.
Key Facts
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo generated 15.9 TWh of electricity in 2024.
- Hydro supplied 84.2% of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's electricity in 2024.
- Solar supplied 15.8% of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's electricity in 2024.
- Bioenergy supplied 0.1% of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's electricity in 2024.
- Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 100.0% of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's generation in 2024.
- The carbon intensity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's electricity was 28 gCO2/kWh in 2024.
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo's carbon intensity in 2024 was 16% higher than in 2000, when it was 24 gCO2/kWh.
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo had the 88th highest electricity demand among the 197 countries with Ember data for 2024.
Key Figures, 2024
| Measure | Value | As of / source |
|---|---|---|
| Total generation | 15.9 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Electricity demand | 17.4 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand per person | 0.16 MWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Net imports | 1.44 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Carbon intensity | 28 gCO2/kWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Power sector emissions | 0.44 MtCO2 | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand rank (countries with 2024 data) | 88 of 197 | 2024 · Ember |
Generation Mix, 2024
Year by Year
Ember annual statistics, 2000 to 2024| Year | Hydro | Solar | Bioenergy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 5.94 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2001 | 5.91 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2002 | 6.05 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2003 | 6.10 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2004 | 7.01 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2005 | 7.32 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2006 | 7.45 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2007 | 7.74 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2008 | 7.41 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2009 | 7.72 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2010 | 7.74 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2011 | 7.73 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2012 | 7.51 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2013 | 8.15 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2014 | 8.73 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2015 | 8.83 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2016 | 9.01 TWh | 0 TWh | 0 TWh |
| 2017 | 9.39 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2018 | 10.4 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2019 | 11.8 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2020 | 12.5 TWh | 20.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2021 | 13.1 TWh | 1.05 TWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2022 | 13.2 TWh | 2.11 TWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2023 | 13.4 TWh | 2.20 TWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2024 | 13.4 TWh | 2.51 TWh | 10.0 GWh |
| Year | Generation | Demand | Carbon intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 15.9 TWh | 17.4 TWh | 28 gCO2/kWh |
| 2023 | 15.6 TWh | 17.1 TWh | 27 gCO2/kWh |
| 2022 | 15.3 TWh | 16.6 TWh | 27 gCO2/kWh |
| 2021 | 14.2 TWh | 15.6 TWh | 26 gCO2/kWh |
| 2020 | 12.5 TWh | 13.6 TWh | 25 gCO2/kWh |
| 2019 | 11.8 TWh | 12.7 TWh | 25 gCO2/kWh |
| 2018 | 10.5 TWh | 11.2 TWh | 25 gCO2/kWh |
| 2017 | 9.42 TWh | 10.2 TWh | 25 gCO2/kWh |
| 2016 | 9.02 TWh | 9.73 TWh | 25 gCO2/kWh |
| 2015 | 8.84 TWh | 9.90 TWh | 24 gCO2/kWh |
Full year by year history for Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2000 to 2024
Source: Ember (ember-energy.org), licensed under CC BY 4.0. Data as of 2024.
Democratic Republic of the Congo Electricity FAQ
What is the main source of electricity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Hydro was the largest source of electricity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2024, supplying 84.2% of generation, followed by solar (15.8%) and bioenergy (0.1%). Figures are Ember annual statistics.
How much electricity does the Democratic Republic of the Congo use?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo used 17.4 TWh of electricity in 2024, about 0.16 MWh per person.
How clean is the Democratic Republic of the Congo's electricity?
Generating a kilowatt hour of electricity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo emitted 28 gCO2/kWh in 2024, and low carbon sources supplied 100.0% of generation. That is 94% below the world average of 472 gCO2/kWh.
Does the Democratic Republic of the Congo import electricity?
Yes. The Democratic Republic of the Congo imported 1.44 TWh more electricity than it exported in 2024.