Kamoa Copper SA, in partnership with CrossBoundary Energy and Green World Energie, has officially inaugurated two solar power plants coupled with battery storage systems (BESS) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The plants provide 60 MW of continuous electricity to the Kamoa-Kakula complex, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing mining operations in Africa. The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity, the Special Envoy of the Head of State, and the Governor of Lualaba Province.
The solar power plants are a technical feat, as they provide a reliable source of electricity to a world-class mining complex 24/7. The plants combine photovoltaic panels with battery storage, allowing for a stable and consistent power supply. According to Annebel Oosthuizen, Managing Director of Kamoa Copper SA, this project demonstrates that large-scale solar energy and battery storage can provide a reliable power supply for energy-intensive industries. The CrossBoundary Energy installation consists of 233 MW of photovoltaic panels and 526 MWh of storage capacity.
The project is expected to produce at least 300,000 MWh of renewable electricity per year, reducing CO2 emissions by over 78,000 tons. This aligns with the company's goal of producing "green copper" for the global energy transition. Copper is a crucial metal for the transition to renewable energy, and producing it with low-carbon energy sources helps maintain the copper from Kamoa-Kakula as one of the lowest-carbon copper producers in the world.
The project has also had a significant impact on the local community. During its peak construction phase, the project employed up to 1,400 people, with 95% being Congolese nationals and 58 women from local communities. Additionally, the project has enabled the electrification of four community schools and a hospital block using solar power with battery storage.
The provincial authorities view this project as a significant step towards the development of the energy sector in Lualaba Province. The Governor of Lualaba Province, Fifi Masuka Saini, emphasized that the development of the energy sector should not only meet industrial needs but also contribute to social progress and improving living conditions for local populations.
Kamoa Copper SA has confirmed that the second phase of the project is underway, with an expected completion date in late 2027. The second phase will add an additional 60 MW of solar power, bringing the total capacity to 120 MW. This project aims to provide a replicable model for the mining industry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the energy mix for mining operations.
The inauguration of the solar power plants marks a significant milestone in the development of the Kamoa-Kakula complex and the broader energy sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As Annebel Oosthuizen stated, "We came to Lualaba to discover and extract copper... and in doing so, we will leave a legacy of light."
Key points
- Kamoa Copper SA inaugurates 60 MW solar power with storage in the Democratic Republic of Congo, providing a reliable source of electricity to the Kamoa-Kakula complex.
- The project is expected to produce at least 300,000 MWh of renewable electricity per year, reducing CO2 emissions by over 78,000 tons.
- The second phase of the project will add an additional 60 MW of solar power, bringing the total capacity to 120 MW by the end of 2027.
