Peace Renewable Energy Credit Deal Executed In DRC

• Microsoft has purchased P-RECs from a 1.3 MW solar+520 kW/2.2 MWh BESS project in DR Congo
• For this project, EPP will issue P-RECs for Microsoft that enabled Nuru to construct the project
• Power generated by this project is now supplying electricity to a mini-grid that in turn electrifies streetlights in conflict prone neighborhood of Ndosho
• The partners of this pilot project believe corporates like Microsoft can avail of P-RECs and maximize the impact of their investments by investing in regions most impacted by climate change

An international organization for peace, Energy Peace Partners (EPP) and solar power company from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nuru have roped in global technology company Microsoft to execute what they hail as the 1^st ever Peace Renewable Energy Credit (P-REC).

Under this, Microsoft will purchase P-RECs issued by EPP from a new project with 1.3 MW solar capacity with 520 kW/2.2 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) commissioned by Nuru in DRC that will directly finance the installation of streetlights in the conflict prone Ndosho neighborhood of Goma in North Kivu, DRC. These streetlights, explains EPP, are connected to the solar project that generates electricity associated with the P-RECs that the partners define as a new category of energy attribute certificate (EAC).

With Microsoft purchasing P-RECs in this deal facilitated by climate solutions specialist 3Degrees, Nuru was able to fund the construction of mini-grid-connected streetlights in Ndosho, a move that has improved nighttime road safety and security of the area. Businesses are able to operate till late and denizens have reduced their dependence on diesel generators.

Explaining the concept of P-REC, 3Degrees says EPP gives an additional label to international renewable energy certificates (I-REC) to call these P-RECs that certifies co-benefits associated with the new renewable energy generation. Such projects are located in countries where there is high risk of conflict, are vulnerable to climate change, have low levels of electrification and limited access to renewable energy finance. Microsoft is the 1^st company to execute a P-REC transaction.

"With P-RECs, companies like Microsoft that are looking to procure renewable energy can invest in regions that are the most impacted by climate change and that are currently deprived of access to modern energy," said Vanessa Miler, Microsoft Director of Energy Innovation and Impact. "Companies can maximize the impact of their investments not only from a carbon reduction perspective but also from a climate equity perspective."

More about the concept of P-REC and the pilot 1.3 MW project can be found in a concept note shared by 3Degrees.