EU to promote a just energy transition in the DRC

At the 2024 EU Raw Materials Week, Resource Matters calls upon the European Union to drive a just energy transition in the DRC.

Despite being a critical supplier of transition minerals like cobalt & copper, the DRC has an electricity crisis. Fewer than 1 in 5 people have power. The EU must act. The mining sector consumes 80% of Congo’s electricity, forcing companies to use diesel generators. For the DR Congo, value addition depends on reliable energy. Without it, the country cannot process its raw materials locally.

#CongoEpela maps energy access in the DRC. Data reveals how mining impacts local electricity. Some “electrified” zones only light up processing plants, while villages nearby stay dark.

What the EU Can Do:

• Fund renewable projects
• Bridge energy data gaps
• Involve civil society in solutions

This is essential for a fair energy transition in the DRC. By supporting clean, community-focused solutions from CongoEpela, the EU can deliver a fair, inclusive transition, empowering communities, building resilience, and ensuring shared prosperity. This is more than “just” about energy; it’s about creating a future of equity and opportunity.