• AEE Power plans a 14.04 MW hybrid mini-grid for the city

• Network to include solar, battery storage, and backup thermal generation

• System expected to serve up to 25,018 customers within five years

AEE Power, a pan-African developer focused on power infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa, plans to invest $42.7 million to build a 14.04 MW mini-grid to supply electricity to Mwene-Ditu, the second-largest city in Lomami Province. The project was presented during a workshop with local economic operators, organized with advisory firm VSI Afrique, which specializes in energy and infrastructure projects.

The planned mini-grid will combine solar power, battery storage, and backup thermal generation. The solar component is expected to total 14.04 MWc (11.7 MW AC), paired with a 4.128 MWh storage system delivering 1.032 MW. A 2.53 MVA thermal plant will ensure uninterrupted supply when solar output is insufficient.

According to Roger Ilunga Tshintu, representing AEE Power, the distribution network will include 46.39 kilometers of medium-voltage lines, 96.37 kilometers of low-voltage lines, 20,990 prepaid meters for residential and commercial users, and 2,313 public lighting points.

Projections show the mini-grid serving 14,690 customers in its first year of operation, rising to 25,018 by year five. Total power sales are expected to reach 13,471 MWh after five years and 34,192 MWh after ten years.

The project will supply households, small and medium-size businesses, public buildings, and major users such as hospitals and telecommunications sites. The network is designed for a 50% renewable energy penetration rate and less than 2% downtime.

AEE Power operates in the Democratic Republic of Congo across power generation, transmission, and distribution. Its portfolio includes the 11 GW Inga 3 hydropower project, the Fungurume–Kasumbalesa and Goma–Bukavu high-voltage lines, and the Kinshasa distribution network, which features about 19,600 new connections.

Ronsard Luabeya, Bankable