Congo-Brazzaville, a country heavily reliant on fossil fuels, has taken a bold step towards renewable energy by establishing a Center of Excellence for Research on Renewable Energies. In a ceremony held on Sunday, April 23 in Oyo, 400 kilometers north of Brazzaville, Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso officially commissioned the center, in the presence of his Bissau-Guinean counterpart Umaru Cissoko Embalo, who was on a working visit to the country.
The center, which occupies an expansive 10,000 square meters of sandy land at the northern exit of Oyo, is the result of a collaborative effort between Congo, the Italian oil group Eni, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). It aims to be a hub for applied research in the field of renewable energies, tapping into the country’s vast potential in hydroelectricity, biomass, wind, and solar power.
Gabin Dimitri Ngantso, a scientific research officer at the ministry responsible for scientific research, expressed enthusiasm for the center, stating, “Our country has great potential in terms of renewable energy resources, and this potential revolves around hydroelectricity, biomass, wind, and solar.” The establishment of this center signifies Congo’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
The move towards renewable energy is not only driven by environmental concerns but also by the need to secure a sustainable energy future for the country. As a nation with significant oil reserves, Congo-Brazzaville has long relied on fossil fuels for its energy needs. However, the volatility of oil prices in the global market, as well as the urgent need to address climate change, has prompted the Congolese government to prioritize the development of renewable energies.