Rehabilitation of a hydropower plant in DRC to empower surrounding communities by JLA Hydro
In the hills north of Bukavu, in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a small rural community named Murhesa has witnessed the revival of a vital source of life and progress: electricity. Once powered by a 60 kW hydropower plant constructed in the early 1960s, the village had lived without a reliable source of energy since the plant ceased operations 15 years ago. That chaos has now been broken, thanks to a successful rural electrification effort led by JLA Hydro and supported by a generous Belgian donor.
The journey began with a comprehensive site survey conducted by JLA Hydro to determine the scale of rehabilitation needed. The survey helped outline the civil works required and identify the necessary electromechanical upgrades. Working in close collaboration with the local community, JLA Hydro oversaw the contracting of local companies to restore critical infrastructure. This included constructing a new weir and replacing some elements of the water intake systems, including valves and other accessories.
JLA Hydro
JLA Hydro also provided and installed all-new electrical and mechanical components, including a custom-built JLA crossflow turbine tailored for the site’s specific conditions. The system is now fully modernised and powers a minigrid, with voltage and frequency automatically regulated for consistent energy delivery.
As part of the commissioning process, a local team was trained extensively in plant operation and routine maintenance. Tools, spare parts, and consumables were also supplied to ensure the plant’s long-term sustainability.
The impact of restored electricity in Murhesa is already transformative. The newly energised grid now powers a health centre with a maternity ward, local schools, refrigeration units, a food production facility making cheese, jam, and ice cream, a cereal processing plant and a workshop. Surrounding communities also benefit, bringing light and opportunity back to this once-dark corner of the country.
JLA Hydro
This project highlights the profound impact rural electrification can have—not just by lighting homes, but by fueling education, healthcare, food security, and local economies. It’s a testament to what strategic investment, technical expertise, and community collaboration can achieve.
Often overlooked compared to other renewable energy sources, hydropower is a key driver for rural electrification at medium to large scales. Rehabilitating hydropower plants can be done relatively quickly and with a low investment per kilowatt, while providing reliable, around-the-clock energy, without the need for batteries or the ongoing costs of their maintenance and replacement.