Kamoa-Kakula Inaugurates 60 MW Solar Power Plant with Battery Storage to Strengthen Sustainable Copper Production
Kamoa-Kakula Launches 60 MW Solar and Battery Storage Project, Advancing DRC’s Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Copper Ambitions
KOLWEZI, DRC – Kamoa Copper has officially commissioned a 60 MW solar power project equipped with battery energy storage systems, marking a major milestone in its efforts to secure reliable renewable energy for the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex and reduce the carbon intensity of its operations.
The project, developed in partnership with CrossBoundary Energy and Green World Energie, was officially inaugurated on October 16, 2026, during a ceremony attended by senior government officials, energy sector leaders and regional authorities.
The newly commissioned facilities will provide 60 MW of continuous baseload electricity to the Kamoa-Kakula mining operations, using advanced battery storage technology that captures solar energy generated during daylight hours and dispatches it when solar production declines.
The system is designed to deliver renewable power around the clock, helping stabilize energy supply for one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing copper mining complexes.
Major Step Towards Energy Security
For Kamoa Copper, the investment represents a strategic move to strengthen energy reliability while supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo’s broader transition toward cleaner energy sources.
Speaking at the inauguration, Kamoa Copper Managing Director Annebel Oosthuizen said the project demonstrates that utility-scale solar generation combined with battery storage can meet the continuous electricity demands of large industrial operations.
The solar installation is expected to reduce dependence on traditional power sources while providing a more resilient energy mix capable of supporting future mine expansion plans.
Supporting the Global Energy Transition
Copper remains a critical metal in the global shift towards cleaner energy technologies. It is widely used in electricity transmission infrastructure, solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and battery systems.
By increasing the share of renewable energy in its operations, Kamoa-Kakula aims to align copper production with the sustainability goals of the industries it serves.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to lower operational emissions and position Congolese copper as an increasingly attractive source of responsibly produced metal for international markets focused on environmental performance and supply chain sustainability.
High-Level Government Support
The inauguration ceremony attracted several senior officials, including Minister of Water Resources and Electricity Aimé Sakombi Molendo, Head of State Goodwill Ambassador Isabelle Kibassa, Lualaba Province Governor Fifi Masuka Saini and Soraya Aziz-Moto, Director General of the Rural Electrification Agency (AER).
Officials highlighted the importance of renewable energy investments in supporting industrial development, improving electricity infrastructure and contributing to long-term economic growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Governor Fifi Masuka Saini emphasized that energy projects should not only support industrial production but also contribute to social development and improved living standards for local communities.
Creating Local Employment and Community Benefits
Beyond its energy and environmental impact, the solar project has delivered significant socio-economic benefits during construction.
At peak construction, the project employed up to 1,400 workers, with Congolese nationals accounting for 95% of the workforce.
The development also created opportunities for women from surrounding communities, with 58 women directly employed on the project.
These employment figures underscore the growing role renewable energy developments can play in supporting local economic participation and skills development across mining regions.
Expansion Plans Already Underway
Kamoa Copper’s renewable energy ambitions extend beyond the newly commissioned 60 MW facility.
A second phase of the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 and is expected to add another 60 MW of solar generating capacity coupled with battery storage.
Once the expansion is completed, Kamoa-Kakula will have access to 120 MW of baseload solar power, making it one of the largest integrated solar and battery-powered mining operations in Africa.
The investment is expected to further strengthen the mine’s power security, support the production of lower-carbon copper and reinforce the DRC’s position as a leading supplier of critical minerals needed for the global energy transition.
