Evaluation of the Impact of Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant Integration into the Grid: A Case Study of the Western Transmission Network in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Kevin Kiangebeni Lusimbakio (), Tonton Boketsu Lokanga, Pierre Sedi Nzakuna (), Vincenzo Paciello, Jean-Pierre Nzuru Nsekere and Obed Tshimanga Tshipata
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Kevin Kiangebeni Lusimbakio: IEEE Member, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tonton Boketsu Lokanga: Société Nationale d’Électricité (SNEL SA), Kinshasa/Gombe BP 500, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Pierre Sedi Nzakuna: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Vincenzo Paciello: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Jean-Pierre Nzuru Nsekere: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa XI BP 127, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Obed Tshimanga Tshipata: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa XI BP 127, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-26

Abstract: Rising electricity demand and the need to reduce pollutant emissions highlight the importance of renewable energy, especially solar power. While most studies on photovoltaic (PV) integration focus on developed countries, least developed and developing countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) face particular challenges due to fragile grid infrastructure. This work evaluates the technical and operational impacts of PV integration into the western grid of the DRC using DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2021 SP2 simulations. It examines penetration levels from 10% to 50% based on a 2012 MW baseline, and evaluates power losses, short-circuit ratios (SCRs), grid stability, harmonic distortions, and voltage oscillations. Results reveal that moderate penetration levels (10–20%) reduce active power losses by 25% while maintaining stability. However, above 30% penetration, critical challenges arise, including a drop of the SCR below the minimum recommended value of 3, prolonged voltage oscillations, and increased harmonic distortions, resulting from the reduced overall inertia of the grid following the increase in PV power from inverters without inertia. These findings emphasize the need for targeted solutions like Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs), Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs), and harmonic filters. This work provides foundational insights for PV integration in fragile grids of LDCs and developing countries.

Keywords: photovoltaic penetration; grid stability; power transmission; DIgSILENT power factory; power quality; renewable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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