Kamoa-Kakula Begins Receiving 30 MW Baseload Power as Solar-Battery Facility Reaches Commercial Operation

Published: Aug 26, 2026 22:51 (GMT+8)

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CrossBoundary Energy’s solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage system serving the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo reached commercial operation on August 12, 2026, and is now supplying 30 MW of continuous baseload power to Kamoa Copper. The milestone comes 16 months after Kamoa Copper signed a power purchase agreement with CrossBoundary Energy in April 2025, marking the transition of the project from commissioning into commercial operation.

The facility comprises 233 MWp of solar photovoltaic capacity and a 123 MVA/526 MWh battery energy storage system, designed to provide at least 30 MW of firm power to the mining complex. The battery system allows electricity generated during daylight hours to be stored and dispatched when solar generation falls, enabling the project to provide continuous power rather than intermittent daytime supply. CrossBoundary Energy said the project is the first operational solar-plus-battery facility of its type and scale in Africa to provide baseload power.

The new power supply forms part of Kamoa-Kakula’s broader efforts to strengthen electricity reliability at the operation. Kamoa Copper, which is jointly owned by Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group and the DRC government, has been developing additional solar and battery capacity alongside upgrades to the DRC grid as it seeks to reduce exposure to power interruptions and reliance on diesel-generated electricity.

The start of commercial operations represents a meaningful power-supply milestone for Kamoa-Kakula, where electricity reliability remains important to maintaining stable mining and processing operations. The new 30 MW firm renewable supplyshould provide an additional source of continuous power alongside existing grid and backup generation, while reducing reliance on diesel. The development is particularly relevant as Kamoa-Kakula continues to manage operational and infrastructure constraints, making improved power availability an important factor in supporting more stable copper production.

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