DRC hydro plant goes for the green light

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Danette Breitenbach

A verified carbon standard (VCS) process is underway for Matebe hydropower plant in the Democratic Republic of Congo, opening the way for future carbon certification in that country.

Matebe hydro plant is part of a wider investment plan, called the Virunga Alliance, initiated by the Virunga Foundation to provide access to energy for four million people who live and work in and around the Virunga National Park.

It will produce more than 13,6MW, supplying 600,000 people with clean, accessible and affordable electricity, kickstarting the green economy and bringing over 12,000 sustainable employments for those in the region of Rutshuru.

Source: Aera Group

The hydro project avoids the use of heavy, polluting, fossil fuel generators thus saving an estimated 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.

VCS is a benchmark voluntary greenhouse gas standard, and the carbon credits awarded for the reduced CO₂ emissions will become important environmental assets which can be sold to corporates, individuals or states dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality.

Director of Virunga National Park, Emmanuel de Merode, said, “The fight against climate change is one of our key commitments. Protecting biodiversity, improving living conditions and preventing conflicts cannot be addressed without a sustainable pathway. We hope Virunga’s offering will attract those with an equal commitment to clean energy and employment based on a green economy.”