Africa's First Solar-BESS Facility Achieves 30 MW Power Supply

On August 12, 2026, CrossBoundary Energy reached commercial operation of Africa's first solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) baseload facility. Situated near Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the plant delivers 30 MW of continuous renewable power to the Kamoa Copper complex. This facility supports one of the continent's largest copper mining operations by combining solar photovoltaic technology with a large battery system to provide electricity around the clock.

The infrastructure integrates a 233 MWp solar plant with a 123 MVA/526 MWh battery energy storage system. During the day, the solar plant generates power for the site, while the battery stores any surplus for use when solar generation is unavailable. This configuration provides the stable, uninterrupted supply necessary for the mining complex to maintain its operations. The project was completed in 16 months, a timeline significantly shorter than the 29-month average typically seen for large-scale solar and battery projects in Africa.

Development began following a power purchase agreement signed with Kamoa Copper S.A. in April 2025. The project involved a partnership between Kamoa Copper's shareholders, including Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group, and the DRC Government. This coordination between private developers, international investors, and government authorities helped bring the renewable initiative to fruition. The commissioning of the site demonstrates the increasing competitiveness of renewable energy for industrial use, particularly in regions where traditional power can be expensive or unreliable.

The solar and battery system provides several economic and environmental benefits beyond its role as a power source. It reduces the need for diesel and other fossil fuels, lowering the carbon emissions associated with mining. By providing firm renewable electricity at a competitive cost, the project strengthens the economic case for solar-plus-storage solutions over conventional thermal generation. These efforts support the production expansion of Kamoa Copper and contribute to the DRC's general transition toward more sustainable energy practices.

The successful operation of this facility could serve as a template for similar projects across Africa, especially in remote areas where conventional power sources are scarce. There is significant potential for renewable energy and storage to provide dependable electricity for energy-intensive industries. As the demand for cleaner energy continues to rise, this project may encourage the mining sector to adopt solar and battery systems more widely, supporting a more sustainable energy future for the continent.