CrossBoundary Energy has achieved commercial operation of what it describes as Africa’s first solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) baseload facility, delivering continuous renewable power to the Kamoa Copper complex in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The facility reached commercial operation on August 12, 2026, and is supplying 30 MW of continuous power to Kamoa Copper, one of Africa’s largest copper mining operations. The project combines a 233 MWp solar photovoltaic plant with a 123 MVA/526 MWh battery energy storage system.
The solar plant generates electricity during daylight hours, while the battery stores surplus energy for use when solar generation is unavailable. This configuration enables the facility to provide a stable power supply around the clock, supporting the mining complex’s continuous operations.
The project was delivered in 16 months after CrossBoundary Energy signed a power purchase agreement with Kamoa Copper S.A. in April 2025. The agreement involved Kamoa Copper’s shareholders, including Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group and the DRC Government. The rapid development timeline is significantly shorter than the estimated 29-month average for utility-scale solar and battery projects in Africa.
The project also highlights the growing competitiveness of renewable energy combined with storage for industrial applications. According to CrossBoundary Energy, the cost of firm renewable electricity has fallen by around 50% over the past five years. This has strengthened the economic case for solar-plus-storage systems compared with thermal generation based on heavy fuels.
For Kamoa Copper, reliable and cost-effective electricity is essential to support planned production expansion. The solar and battery system can also reduce exposure to diesel and other fuel-related price volatility, while helping lower carbon emissions from mining operations.
The project was developed through cooperation among private-sector developers, international investors and government authorities at both provincial and national levels in the DRC.
The successful commissioning demonstrates the potential of solar PV and battery storage to provide dependable baseload electricity for energy-intensive industries. It could also encourage wider adoption of renewable energy and storage solutions across Africa’s mining sector, particularly in remote locations where conventional power sources can be expensive and exposed to fuel supply risks.
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