Detailed platform updates - Congo Epela 2026
- New cluster demand and population data from the RLI
The platform now integrates Cluster Version 4, which includes revised population figures and electricity-access data provided by the RLI. This dataset supports more accurate visualization of electricity access in the updated Congo Epela Platform. Using this updated information, we have also calculated electricity demand for key sectors such as education and health facilities, agriculture, heavy industry, and other economic activities.
- Six electrification scenarios modeled using OnSSET, including business-as-usual, diesel price variations, and tax exemption
Unlike the previous platform which allowed users to select electrification conditions manually, the updated version incorporates six predefined scenarios:
- Three business-as-usual cases (low, moderate, and high energy-demand levels)
- Two fossil-fuel-price scenarios, reflecting low and high diesel and gas costs and incorporating diesel mini-grids and stand-alone systems
- One tax-exemption scenario, excluding household connection costs to centralized distribution networks
These scenarios provide a more comprehensive view of potential electrification pathways.
- Optimal electricity mixes for the East and Southwest regions modeled with OSeMOSYS, with support from the UCT
The energy-mix modeling exercise conducted with the University of Cape Town continued throughout 2026. Initial results, which identify optimal configurations for the existing grids in the East and Southwest regions, have now been fully integrated into the platform. Further review is underway, and updates are expected in the coming months.
- Integration of thermal power plants and wind capacity factor
A total of 41 thermal power plants were added to the platform, along with their installed capacities sourced from SNEL/ANSER and other validated sources. Wind capacity factors from the Global Wind Atlas were also incorporated.
- Updated existing solar and hydropower sites from SHER and other relevant sources
Data from SHER and additional relevant partners were used to refresh the inventory of existing solar and hydro sites.
- Updated data for health sites from GRID3 and Sustainable Energy for All
Thanks to a new study launched by SEforALL to estimate the energy needs of healthcare facilities, combined with an updated dataset from GRID3, we were able to improve and expand the information on health facilities. This includes updated categorization of energy needs for the facilities, as well as broader geographic coverage. The dataset now covers all 26 provinces of the DRC, compared to 22 in the previous version.