Supporting Communities & Businesses

Harnessing Renewable Energy

The Virunga Alliance is tackling energy poverty by harnessing the Park’s abundant hydrological resources to produce sustainable electricity for local communities and businesses. With an estimated hydroelectric potential of 105 MW, its subsidiary, Virunga Energies, currently operates four hydroelectric stations, driving transformative development across the region.

In addition to delivering reliable, affordable, and clean energy to over 30,000 households, these initiatives empower businesses, strengthen community services, and expand access to clean water. Together, they foster economic growth, improve public health, and enhance the quality of life for the people of North Kivu.

Key Initiatives

Empowering Businesses with Renewable Energy

Connecting businesses to clean, reliable, and affordable electricity, has facilitated the growth of over 1,611 companies and created jobs for local communities. To further support entrepreneurs, a unique financing program allows businesses to repay loans through electricity purchases, benefiting 367 local entrepreneurs in 2022 alone. Additionally, two industrial parks provide an ideal environment for business growth, offering secure facilities with access to electricity, water, and essential infrastructure, along with training and financial guidance to help businesses thrive.

Enhancing Community Services

Virunga Energies provides clean, reliable electricity to vital social services such as health centers, hospitals, schools, universities, state offices, and community radios, significantly enhancing their ability to serve the community. Currently, around 20 facilities in Goma, Rutshuru, Mutwanga, and Lubero benefit from this initiative. Residents in electrified villages and neighborhoods also gain access to public lighting, extending evening social activities and greatly improving security—especially for women, who are most vulnerable to kidnappings and assaults.

Improving Access to Clean Water

In 2020, the first water pumping station in western Goma was installed, now serving over 300,000 residents, transforming access to clean water in the region. With plans to extend the project to reach over 1 million people, these efforts aim to reduce waterborne diseases like cholera and enhance community health. In the Nyiragongo region, a new water supply initiative is also providing vital relief to displaced communities.

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