Turbines Blocked by Plastic Waste: The Impact on Electricity Production in the DRC
In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), electricity production at a large hydroelectric power plant has been severely disrupted. The cause? Mountains of plastic waste washed away by the rains are blocking the turbines, leading to reduced production.
The Plastic Waste Problem and the Rainy Season
Jovy Mulemangabo, director of the National Electricity Company (Snel) in South Kivu, explained that the start of the rainy season has exacerbated the problem. Plastic waste accumulated in the gutters is carried by the waters towards Lake Kivu, then ends up accumulating in the facilities of the Ruzizi hydroelectric plant.
Ruzizi Hydroelectric Power Station: A Magnet for Garbage
The Ruzizi dam, located below the city of Bukavu, capital of South Kivu, is submerged by plastic waste from Lake Kivu. This lake, which stretches over 90 km on the border between the DRC and Rwanda, carries thousands of bottles, cans and other rubbish every day. In recent days, the power plant’s electricity production, usually 20 MW, has been reduced by half. Snel has been forced to stop two of the four turbines that supply not only South Kivu and North Kivu, but also Burundi, a neighbouring country of the DRC.
Conclusion
Plastic waste management in the Lake Kivu region is becoming a critical issue, disrupting vital electricity production for eastern DRC and its neighboring countries. The environmental crisis is now intertwined with energy challenges, highlighting the urgency of coordinated action to protect critical infrastructure.
