Congolese-American company Nuru has set up a 1.3-megawatt solar mini-grid in Goma.

Goma

In Goma's Ndosho neighbourhood, a 1.3-megawatt solar mini-grid established by Congolese-American company Nuru is providing reliable electricity to a community that previously had minimal access. The solar power system has helped revive businesses, enhance security, and offer hope in an area affected by conflict.

While occasional power cuts occur during cold or rainy weather, the solar panels are generally more dependable and cost-effective than diesel generators. Despite the risks posed by ongoing violence and stray gunfire, the community is actively working to protect the solar infrastructure. Supported by international investors, Nuru aims to expand solar access to 10 million people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by 2030.

In Goma, solar power brings light and hope in Ndosho neighbourhood

In the Ndosho neighborhood of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, solar power is doing more than keeping the lights on. It's reviving businesses, improving security and restoring hope in a city at the heart of the conflict in eastern Congo. Ndosho was once a displacement camp. Only 3% of its population had access to electricity. The neighborhood now benefits from a 1.3-megawatt solar mini-grid set by Nuru, a Congolese-American company. Nuru means light in Swahili. It helps us a lot. The only problem we do experience is power cuts whenever it's cold or raining. But when the sun is out, we work from morning to night without any problems. Solar panels are more reliable than the diesel generators often used in Ndosho. For artisans and craftspeople, the switch to solar has lowered costs and made work more efficient. Community members are trying to protect the system despite the ongoing fighting in Goma. More than 3,000 people were killed when the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured the city in late January. Stray gunfire has occasionally damaged solar panels. Obviously, because of the context, even before M23 arrived and today as well, there is often gunfire in the community because of the insecurity. So it can affect one or two solar panels. But we don't generally have many of these incidents and our panels are safe because the community understands that these solar panels were set up for their own good. The solar grid is backed by global investors, including the International Finance Corporation and private foundations. Nuru says its goal is to provide 10 million Congolese people with solar power by December 2030.

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