The regions most affected by crises are also the most vulnerable to climate change and largely excluded from climate finance and investment. Conflict-affected communities experience high levels of energy poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and lack of basic necessities. Although the effects of climate change are global, fragile states, which have contributed least, should not bear these burdens alone.
Peace Renewable Energy Credits (P-RECs) have the potential to expand the renewable energy revolution to vulnerable regions, improving quality of life and creating economic opportunities. A P-REC is an International Renewable Energy Credit (I-REC) with additional certification by Energy Peace Partners (EPP) of the social and economic co-benefits associated with the project.
In February 2020, the first sale of P-RECs delivered new funding in Goma, a region in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. These P-RECs were issued from a 1.3MW solar mini-grid constructed by Congolese solar developer Nuru. Revenue from this transaction financed the installation of 35 streetlights along the mini-grid.
Solar Array in Goma
The DRC has one of the lowest rates of electrification and energy consumption in the world. Congolese citizens lack an interconnected national grid. Hydropower is the country’s primary electricity source, but it meets only one-third of the 3GW in unmet and growing demand. This project is one of Africa’s largest off-grid solar mini-grids. The solar project is expected to serve over 750 households and small to medium-sized businesses. The sale of the first 1,000 P-RECs funded the first of three phases of street light installations.
Developer Nuru has used 100% of P-REC revenue to install public street lights in Goma’s Ndosho neighborhood. Prior to installation, the community identified the lack of streetlights as one of its top priorities. In March 2020, an estimated 28,000 people—more than a third of Ndosho’s population—saw tangible improvements from the first stage of this project. With the continued sale of P-RECs, the second and third stages will extend streetlights across the entire neighborhood.
PROJECT TYPE: P-REC Solar
ONLINE DATE: February, 2020
LOCATION: Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
VERIFICATION: I-REC Standard, Energy Peace Partners
RELATED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS):
This project contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations:
SDG 1 – End poverty in all its forms everywhere: The P-REC solar project boosts the local economy by empowering local businesses to widen their operating hours to include night markets, thus increased opportunity to make sales.
SDG 7 – Accessible and Clean Energy: The rooftop solar project supports SDG 7 by lowering participants’ electricity bills or giving future electricity credits from the clean power they produce.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action by countries in global partnership to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
Co-benefits
The solar array and connected streetlights in Ndosho have reduced the need for carbon-intensive diesel generators; this has a direct climate mitigation impact by reducing local air pollution and decreasing carbon emissions.
P-REC revenue provides the capital necessary to unlock project funding. The streetlights support the operation of night markets and enable businesses to stay open later, both of which have strong, positive impacts on the local community and economy. The construction and maintenance of the solar array, batteries, and streetlights have created and will sustain quality local jobs.
More reliable access to electricity and reduced reliance on diesel generators will positively impact human health in Goma. Improving community lighting at night increases safety and security in densely populated areas where crime incidents have previously caused insecurity for residents and businesses.
Photos Courtsey of Nuru
