Kamoa Copper Signs Landmark Deal for Africa’s First Solar Baseload Plant
Kamoa Copper S.A. has signed a landmark power purchase agreement (PPA) with CrossBoundary Energy to supply baseload renewable energy to the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex near Kolwezi, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This marks a significant milestone in the region’s shift toward sustainable mining operations.
Kamoa Copper is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group, and the DRC government, which holds a 20% ownership stake.
The Kamoa-Kakula complex is the largest copper mine in Africa, with an annual production capacity of approximately 600,000 tonnes. The on-site direct-to-blister copper smelter is scheduled to begin ramping up in the second quarter of 2025.
The new renewable energy plant will be the first of its kind in Africa, featuring a 222 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system combined with a 123 MVA/526 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).
This system will deliver 30 MW of dispatchable, baseload renewable power, significantly reducing reliance on diesel generators and cutting annual carbon emissions by an estimated 78,750 tonnes.
CrossBoundary Energy will build, own, and operate the facility, while Kamoa Copper will purchase the electricity it consumes. The plant is expected to generate approximately 300,000 MWh of clean energy each year.
While many mining operations have adopted solar PV and BESS technologies, delivering continuous baseload power from these sources remains rare due to concerns around intermittency.
However, improved solar efficiency and declining battery costs have made renewable baseload solutions not only feasible but also more cost-effective than traditional diesel-powered systems.
Franck Alloghe, Business Development Director at CrossBoundary Energy, commented:
“This agreement marks a turning point in how mining operations approach energy supply. Diesel and HFO generators are no longer the only reliable sources of baseload power. We are excited to deliver this pioneering project with the Kamoa Copper team. Baseload from the sun is now a reality.”
Construction of the facility is set to begin in August 2025.
With rapidly expanding operations and growing energy demands, Kamoa Copper’s investment in renewable infrastructure highlights its commitment to sustainability and leadership in the global transition to clean energy.
SOURCE:.greenbuildingafrica.co.za
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