Efficiency through solar and storage. The 19 MWp solar farm now replaces part of the diesel-generated electricity, which is expensive and subject to international currency rates. Every kilowatt-hour produced locally helps reduce dollar-denominated fuel costs and shields the operation from fluctuations in the Congolese franc. The 18 MVA battery system plays an equally crucial role. It absorbs solar production variability, stabilizes voltage and frequency, and smooths the mine’s overall electricity demand. Acting as a buffer, the storage system optimizes the thermal generators’ efficiency while directly reducing operational costs and extending equipment lifespan.
The integration of these new assets relies on a sophisticated Power Management System (PMS), which monitors all energy sources in real time and determines each source’s contribution to the site’s energy mix according to demand. Precise coordination is critical: without it, imbalances or minor outages could disrupt mining operations. Thanks to this intelligent management, the site benefits from a continuous and stable power supply, essential for industrial operations running 24/7.
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Overcoming technical and logistical challenges
Installing the solar farm presented challenges due to the terrain and subsurface conditions, which required specially adapted foundations to prevent settling or premature corrosion. These constraints increased initial project costs, but the investment is expected to pay off over time through fuel savings and reduced downtime. Import logistics for panels, inverters, and batteries also demanded careful planning, as any delay could affect commissioning schedules and revenue. The successful completion of this project demonstrates that proactive planning and close coordination with local authorities are key to delivering complex energy infrastructure. Africa Power Services invested in training Congolese technicians to carry out part of the on-site maintenance. For the mining operator, this reduces dependency on foreign teams and lowers travel-related costs. For the DRC, it builds local capacity in the strategic field of hybrid energy systems and battery storage, a sector poised for rapid growth in the country.
By adding 19 MWp of solar power and 18 MVA of battery storage to its hybrid plant, this Congolese mining site demonstrates that energy transition is achievable even in demanding industrial environments. Reliable electricity supply, cost reduction, and currency risk management are now tangible levers to support investment and competitiveness across the continent.
