• Shenzhen Hongfuhan to invest $158M in DRC solar plant
• 30 MW facility to supply Kamoa-Kakula copper mine
• Project part of push for 100% green power by 2026

Chinese electronics component maker Shenzhen Hongfuhan Technology is set to be the main investor in a 30 megawatt (MW) solar power plant designed to supply the Kamoa-Kakula mining complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Citing Chinese media, sources reported on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, that Hongfuhan announced it would soon sign a partnership agreement with its compatriot, Green World Energy and Green World's parent company, the Construction and Commercial Development Company (SDCC), to finance the $198 million project.

Hongfuhan, a Shenzhen-based firm that recently expanded into the solar sector, plans to invest $158.4 million in the project, with Green World/SDCC covering the remaining balance.

The pending agreement includes the creation of a joint venture, with shares distributed proportionate to the investment: 80 percent for Hongfuhan and 20 percent for Green World/SDCC. Green World/SDCC will handle construction, installation, operation, and maintenance, while the majority shareholder, Hongfuhan, will exercise control.

In April 2025, Kamoa Copper, the owner of the Kamoa-Kakula mine, signed a power purchase agreement with Green World Energy. The Beijing-based firm committed to financing, building, and operating a solar plant with a constant power capacity of 30 MW. Hongfuhan states the contract duration is 15 years.

High Profitability Expected

During the first 5.5 years—a period encompassing the construction phase and deemed necessary to recoup the initial investment—net profits will be shared pro rata to the joint venture stakes. After that, the distribution will shift to 76 percent for Hongfuhan and 24 percent for SDCC.

Hongfuhan projects average annual revenue of $50 million and a net profit of approximately $30 million, yielding a net margin of close to 60 percent. Following the announcement of its investment intent, the company's stock jumped 9.6 percent to 86 yuan ($12.08 USD).

Kamoa Copper plans to boost its total solar capacity to 120 MW to power Kamoa-Kakula, which has an annual copper production capacity of 600,000 metric tons. The mining company has also signed an agreement with CrossBoundary Energy DRC to finance, build, and operate a separate 30 MW constant-power solar plant, with a contract duration of 17 years.

Both solar projects, including grid connection, are expected to be completed by the end of July 2026. By that deadline, the Kamoa-Kakula complex’s electricity needs are projected to reach 240 MW. The company aims to cover this demand exclusively with green energy, retiring its diesel generators.

Beyond solar, Kamoa is also relying on hydropower, specifically through the rehabilitation of Inga II’s Turbine 5 (178 MW). Full commissioning of the turbine is expected in 2026 after network reinforcement. With these combined projects, Kamoa Copper anticipates being able to reduce its electricity imports from Zambia and Mozambique.

 Timothée Manoke