In the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with an energy deficit that has long hindered its economic and social development. Despite its abundant natural resources, the country’s electricity sector remains fragile, with limited infrastructure and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. However, a glimmer of hope is emerging from an unlikely source: solar power. Recent research by Kevin Kiangebeni Lusimbakio, an IEEE Member based in Kinshasa, DRC, published in the journal Energies, sheds light on the potential and challenges of integrating photovoltaic (PV) solar power into the DRC’s western transmission network. The study offers critical insights for least developed countries (LDCs) and developing nations struggling with similar energy issues.
The DRC, like many LDCs, faces unique challenges when it comes to integrating renewable energy sources into its power grid. The country’s electrical infrastructure is fragile and undersized, making it difficult to accommodate new, intermittent energy sources. However, the DRC’s solar potential is exceptional, with average solar irradiation ranging from 3.5 to 6.75 kWh/m2. Harnessing this resource could help bridge the energy deficit, diversify the national energy mix, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Lusimbakio’s research, conducted using DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2021 SP2 simulations, evaluates the technical and operational impacts of PV integration into the western grid of the DRC. The study examines penetration levels from 10% to 50% based on a 2012 MW baseline, assessing power losses, short-circuit ratios (SCRs), grid stability, harmonic distortions, and voltage oscillations.
The findings reveal that moderate penetration levels (10–20%) reduce active power losses by 25% while maintaining stability. However, above 30% penetration, critical challenges arise. “Beyond 30% penetration, the grid faces significant issues, including a drop in the SCR below the minimum recommended value of 3, prolonged voltage oscillations, and increased harmonic distortions,” Lusimbakio explains. These issues stem from the reduced overall inertia of the grid following the increase in PV power from inverters without inertia.
To mitigate these challenges, Lusimbakio proposes targeted solutions such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs), Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs), and harmonic filters. These technologies could help maintain grid reliability and stability, ensuring a smoother transition to renewable energy.
The commercial implications of this research are significant. For energy companies operating in LDCs and developing countries, understanding the impacts of PV integration is crucial for planning and implementing sustainable energy solutions. The study provides a robust evaluation framework for integrating PV energy in regions with aged or fragile grid infrastructure, contributing to bridging the gap of limited studies dedicated to fragile power grids.
As the world transitions to renewable energy, the lessons learned from the DRC’s experience could shape future developments in the field. The research underscores the importance of modernizing grid infrastructure and adopting adaptive management strategies to facilitate this transition. It also highlights the need for further research into the economic and environmental implications of large-scale PV integration, including cost–benefit analyses of proposed technical solutions.
Lusimbakio’s work, published in ‘Energies’, serves as a wake-up call for energy stakeholders in LDCs and developing countries. By addressing the unique challenges of PV integration in fragile grids, the study paves the way for more sustainable and reliable energy solutions. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights gained from this research could prove invaluable in shaping the future of renewable energy integration.
