• Solar plant with batteries to power Kamoa-Kakula copper mine
• Project includes 233 MWp solar capacity and 526 MWh storage
• Aims to deliver stable industrial power amid DRC electricity shortages

Solar energy is increasingly emerging as a reliable solution to support industrial power supply in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the mining sector. A project led by CrossBoundary Energy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) illustrates this shift in a country facing chronic power shortages.

CrossBoundary Energy, part of the CrossBoundary Group, is building a solar power plant with battery storage for the Kamoa-Kakula copper mining complex, operated by Kamoa Copper S.A. The facility will combine 233 MWp of photovoltaic capacity with a 526 MWh battery storage system.

According to CrossBoundary Energy, the plant will deliver 30 MW of guaranteed continuous power and achieve an annual availability rate of 95%, a level typically associated with thermal power plants. Annual generation is expected to reach around 300,000 MWh, avoiding nearly 78,750 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Major energy challenges

The project addresses a key energy constraint facing both the DRC and much of the region. World Bank data shows electricity access in the country stands at about 22%, while the national grid remains limited and unreliable. Supplying stable power to one of the world’s largest copper mines therefore highlights the growing role renewable energy can play in meeting Africa’s industrial energy needs.

A similar trend is visible in Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, where many companies are investing in solar energy to secure power supply amid grid constraints, diversify their energy mix and meet climate targets.

These projects are also attracting growing financial support. In November 2025, CrossBoundary Energy secured $200 million in additional debt from a consortium led by Standard Bank to expand its portfolio of renewable energy projects for African industry. Earlier in the year, the company also received a $40 million investment from the Impact Fund Denmark.

Abdoullah Diop