Congo Energy leads 220 MWp solar power project with battery storage for Kamoa in the DRC

Congo Energy has reached a major milestone in its development as the majority shareholder of Lualaba Solar Company, which is set to develop a 220 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant combined with a 540 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The facility will supply electricity to Kamoa Copper SA under a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

The signing of the agreement follows several months of project development and marks a decisive step forward for what will be one of the largest privately developed solar and battery storage projects led by Congolese companies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Congo Energy at the Forefront of Project Development

To develop, finance, construct and operate the new facility, Congo Energy has joined forces with Great Lake Energy (GLE) and Vizir to establish Lualaba Solar Company SAS.

Congo Energy and GLE are taking leading roles in the development, construction and future operation of the power plant, while Vizir is primarily responsible for structuring and securing the necessary financing.

This partnership reflects Congo Energy’s ability to initiate and lead complex energy projects, bring together complementary expertise and build strong relationships with leading Congolese and international partners around a shared objective.

A Long-Term Commitment to Kamoa

The project has a clear objective: to help meet Kamoa Copper SA’s electricity requirements through an efficient and sustainable energy solution tailored to the demands of its industrial operations.

The planned facility will combine 220 MWp of installed solar photovoltaic capacity with a 540 MWh battery energy storage system. Integrating these two technologies will help manage the intermittent nature of solar generation while providing greater flexibility to meet the needs of a major industrial electricity consumer.

The 15-year PPA establishes a long-term framework for cooperation and represents a critical milestone in bringing the project to fruition.

“This project demonstrates that Congolese companies now have the capabilities to initiate, structure and lead major energy developments by bringing together the expertise and international partners required to deliver them,” said Spyros Giourgas, CEO of Congo Energy.

A Strategic Turning Point for Congo Energy

The project also marks a significant evolution in Congo Energy’s business model.

Since its establishment, the company has steadily expanded its expertise in the engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of electrical infrastructure, as well as electricity trading.

Through its majority stake in Lualaba Solar Company, Congo Energy is now entering a new phase of development, becoming an Independent Power Producer (IPP) and a long-term investor in power generation assets.

This transition represents a major step forward for the company, expanding the scope of its activities and strengthening its position within the DRC’s energy sector.

A Congolese Company Supporting the DRC’s Energy Ambitions

Through this project, Congo Energy also aims to demonstrate the important role that the Congolese private sector can play in addressing the country’s energy challenges.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has vast energy resources, yet electricity demand from its industrial sector continues to grow. Expanding power generation capacity requires substantial investment, as well as the ability to structure viable projects and mobilise the right industrial and financial partners.

Congo Energy is committed to playing an active role in this development by designing, investing in and delivering sustainable energy solutions that support its customers’ growth while contributing to the DRC’s broader economic development.