Nuru’s Pioneering Metrogrids – Lighting Up the DRC
We are privileged to never think about the importance of steady and reliable electricity. We never think how life gets transformed by the simple flick of a switch, how light illuminates a room and allows our children to study, business to run, and fridge to preserve food, how we are informed and how we play. This is what Nuru, a pioneering company wants to bring to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Nuru deployed Congo’s first commercial solar-based minigrid in 2017 and launched its first MW-scale solar minigrid in Goma in 2020. To date, Nuru has delivered > 7,700 MWh of world-class energy at 99% uptime to 3,000 clients (~22,000 direct end-users) through 4 mini-grids operating in Goma, Beni, Tadu and Faradje totaling 1.69 MW. These results make Nuru DRC’s leader in utility solar-hybrid minigrids.
The DRC is a land of staggering natural wealth, boasting immense hydropower potential and vast reserves of minerals. Yet, a stark paradox exists. Despite these resources, less then 22% of the DRC population has access to reliable electricity. This living in darkness, with limited opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic advancement.
The eastern part of the DRC, in particular, faces a complex situation. Decades of conflict and weak governance have created instability and uneven economic development. Poor infrastructure hinders further growth. This lack of opportunity can contribute to the ongoing conflict, creating a vicious cycle.
However, there are signs of hope. Peace efforts are ongoing, and local organizations are working towards responsible resource management and development initiatives.
Founded by Archip Lobo and Jonathan Shaw, Nuru’s mission, aptly named “light” in Swahili, is to illuminate not just homes, but the future of the DRC. Their ambitious goal is to “provide 10 million delighted Congolese people with world-class power by December 2030”.
This vision is driven by a deep understanding of the transformative power of reliable energy. Nuru’s founders witnessed first-hand the social and economic hardship caused by lack of electricity. They believe that clean energy is a necessity for a brighter future for the DRC.
The electrifying personal story of Jonathan Shaw
We talked to Johnatan to better understand his personal motivation to work in this challenging environment. Coming from Canadian/American parents, Jonathan was born in Kenya. He starts his story in 2003 when he visited DRC for the first time
“I came there during a war, during the time of rebel government. It was a mind-blowing experience. On one side there were child soldiers with guns on their shoulders and on the other the welcoming and warm culture of Congolese people full of life. There was so much suffering and so many ways that I wanted to do something. I came there to be an academic, invited by a friend of mine to teach at UCBC university (Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo). With the vast potential of people and children that want to learn, higher education creates leaders that will help rebuild the country.”
“At a certain point, what started as a simple process of electrifying my own house with solar panels and extending it to the neighbourhood – I remember we were talking that somebody should come and help bring electricity to this region. It ended by us, my colleague Archip Lobo and I, starting it, raising capital, from Energy Access Ventures and of course ElectriFI. So, you see, without you nothing of this would be here today.”
“This investment resulted with Goma 1 minigrid and solar project with Tesla batteries now, I believe still, the biggest in Sub-Saharan Africa” adds Jonathan
Archip Lobo, the other co-founder of Nuru was eight years old when he had to flee his home because of the war in eastern Congo. The war tore his family apart. His brothers were forced to become child soldiers, while others faced the war’s darkest cruelty. This experience catalysed his passion to seek healing and renewal for his country. Educated at the UCBC university he started working with Jonathan.
Challenges, challenges, challenges
“Navigating a complex security landscape and securing financing were and still are significant hurdles. It is incredibly hard to be an entrepreneur in DRC. It was difficult getting concessions, buying land, get bankable PPA… Supply chain and infrastructure is one of the hurdles that we have to find solutions for every day. DRC is the size of Western Europe and it has 150 km of roads.” adds Jonathan. “and I didn’t even mention security”.
“When we were ordering Tesla batteries, they put a triple strapping to lock in the batteries in place. They most of the time use only one and this was the only time they used triple. From US border to DRC, 9000 km, all went well and safe, and in 23 km of DRC roads all batteries got damaged as the truck went off road because of the storm. On top of that Tesla couldn’t send anybody to repair the damage as the region is a red zone so we got trained to repair everything.”
We asked Jon, what keeps you going, what’s motivating you? He said “it’s so easy to give up, but we have this incredible team that are absolutely worth all of this. 90% of the Nuru team is Congolese and they are fantastic to work with.”
ElectriFI lights the spark
EDFI MC, through its ElectriFI initiative, played a pivotal role in nurturing Nuru. Our early investment of USD 1.43 million as shareholder and a lender alongside Energy Access Ventures, empowered them in 2018 to build the first large-scale solar-hybrid mini-grid in Goma. This project, despite facing security challenges and health crisis, showcased the viability of renewable energy in the region.
The investment provided Nuru with the validation and resources to refine its model. From that initial spark, Nuru has grown into a leading provider of renewable energy in the DRC:
- Pioneering Mini-Grids: Nuru’s innovative metrogrids, like the record-breaking 3 MW solar PV system in Goma, are replacing polluting diesel generators with clean and reliable sources of energy.
- Scaling Up for Millions: Their recent $40 million Series B funding will allow them to construct even larger projects, like the 10 MWp metrogrid in Bunia.
Nuru’s Impact: More Than Just Light
Nuru’s solar-powered metrogrids are having a profound impact beyond illumination:
- Improving Health: Reliable electricity allows for clean water purification, proper refrigeration for medicines, and brighter lighting in healthcare facilities.
- Empowering Education: Schools can extend learning hours and offer computer-based education.
- Driving Economic Growth: Businesses can operate more efficiently, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
- Protecting the Environment: Renewable energy sources reduce dependence on polluting generators, contributing to cleaner air.
Current Operations
- 69 MWp across 4 solar-plus-battery metrogrids
- 24/7 services with 99% system uptime
- 2930 active connections (~22,000 direct beneficiaries)
- 800+ businesses employing 2600 people
- 10 telecom towers
- 4 water treatment & distribution sites / pumps serving 80,000 people in Goma
- 14 healthcare, 17 schools, 70 social and community services
- 3,200 MT CO2e avoided and > 8,000 MWh delivered
- 450 streetlights serving tens of thousands
- 100 employees
A Model for Progress – What does the future bring?
Regulatory environment is much easier now, we are adjusting concessions, the Ministry of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity (Ministère des Ressources Hydrauliques et de l’Electricité) is very focused on investable projects in private companies.” Jonathan comments. “It is great that we also have a scientific research that supports our model. They came to the conclusion that enterprises connected to Nuru receive higher-quality electricity that enables greater daily usage, strong levels of satisfaction, value for money, and affordability. They confirmed ‘that decentralized solar mini grids, when providing a reliable energy supply, are a viable solution in settings where existing grid infrastructure is unreliable.’”
The power of commitment to social impact is showing that the model works, that their pioneering mini-grids are transforming lives in eastern DRC. The challenge of scaling their operations to reach millions remains. This will require continued investment and innovative partnerships.
However, the potential rewards are immense. Widespread access to clean, reliable electricity can unlock a brighter future for the DRC. It can empower businesses, improve education and healthcare, and create a more sustainable and prosperous nation.
2018: E3 Capital (formerly Energy Access Ventures) along with EDFI ElectriFI, the EU-funded Electrification Financing Initiative, managed by EDFI Management Company made the first catalytic investment in building Nuru’s current operating metrogrid portfolio in the cities of Goma, Beni, and around the Garamba protected area in the cities of Faradje and Tadu.
2023: Nuru secured $40 million in a Series B equity funding round, led by prominent international investors including:
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), supported by Rockefeller Foundation, Bezos Earth Fund and the Ikea Foundation
- Renewable Energy Performance Platform (REPP)
- Proparco
- E3 Capital
- Voltalia
- Schmidt Family Foundation
- Gaia Impact Fund
- Joseph Family Foundation
