CrossBoundary Energy says its solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) facility for Kamoa Copper S.A. has reached commercial operation and is now supplying 30 MW baseload power from the sun to Africa’s largest copper mining complex.
Kamoa Copper S.A., a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group and the DRC Government, signed the power purchase agreement with CrossBoundary Energy in April 2025. The energy system consists of a 233 MWp solar PV array and 123 MVA/526 MWh BESS to supply at least 30 MW of baseload power to the mine.
Firm renewable electricity costs have fallen by around 50% in five years, making solar-plus-storage cheaper than conventional thermal baseload generation, according to CrossBoundary. The speed of delivery ensures that Kamoa-Kakula will receive cheaper and cleaner electrons years ahead of other power supply options.
Gracia Munganga, Development Director for the DRC at CrossBoundary Energy, said: “Achieving this milestone with Kamoa Copper S.A. is a significant step to mainstreaming round-the-clock renewable power. It proves how quickly clean, stable energy can be deployed – and the great potential of renewable energy solutions to support the mining sector’s ambitious growth. We’re grateful to our public sector stakeholders for believing in the value of this project, including the Electricity Sector Regulatory Authority (ARE) through DG Soraya Aziz-Moto, the Government of Lualaba Province under H.E. Governor Fifi Masuka and the Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources under H.E. Minister Aimé Sakombi Molendo.”
Auguy Bakome, Project Manager at Kamoa Copper S.A., said: “The speed at which this project was delivered demonstrates how quickly renewable energy can be deployed at scale to support remote mining operations. It also reflects the strong partnership we have built with CrossBoundary Energy.
“This project shows that solar and battery storage can deliver dependable, sustainable and cost-effective baseload power for large mining operations. We are confident that renewable energy will continue to play a critical role in supporting the growth of our operations and the mining sector more broadly.”
Richard Stanford, Chief Technical Officer at CrossBoundary Energy, added: “An immense collaborative approach allowed us to overcome obstacles and build this project at an unprecedented pace, without compromising on quality. We’re grateful to all our partners on the project, including our client, investors, advisors, contractors and suppliers, for what we’ve achieved together. We’ve set a new benchmark for what is achievable for renewable energy deployment.”
Early adopters of round-the-clock solar/BESS like Kamoa Copper S.A. stand to benefit from reduced diesel cost volatility and supply chain risk, whilst reducing carbon emissions significantly through clean power procurement.
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