Kamoa Copper and CrossBoundary Energy partner to provide baseload renewable power to the Kamoa-Kakula copper mine in DRC. (Image source: CrossBoundary Energy)

Kamoa Copper S.A. and CrossBoundary Energy have entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) to supply renewable baseload energy to the Kamoa-Kakula Copper mining complex, one of the largest copper mines globally, located near Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Kamoa Copper S.A. joint venture, composed of Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group, and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (which holds a 20% stake), operates Africa’s largest copper mining complex, with an annual copper production capacity of approximately 600,000 tonnes. The new on-site direct-to-blister copper smelter is slated to begin operations in Q2 2025.

The solar project, Africa’s first of its kind, will feature a 222 MWp solar PV system alongside a 123 MVA/526 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The plant will provide a 30 MW renewable energy supply to the mine, displacing fuel-powered generators and cutting carbon emissions by about 78,750 tonnes annually. CrossBoundary Energy will own and manage the plant, with Kamoa Copper purchasing the energy used. It is expected to produce around 300,000 MWh of clean energy annually.

While many mining operations have integrated solar PV and BESS systems, providing baseload renewable energy—a consistent power output at all times—is uncommon due to concerns over intermittency. However, with advancements in solar PV efficiency and declining BESS costs, a renewable baseload system has become feasible and is now more cost-effective than the diesel generators previously used at the mine.

"This is a pivotal moment for Kamoa Copper and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a company, Kamoa Copper has been setting innovative benchmarks in various domains, and with this partnership on baseload renewable energy, we will continue to do so. We are pleased to have CrossBoundary Energy as our first partner in this endeavor. Their commitment to honesty, integrity, and delivery is exemplary. We anticipate hard work and successful outcomes from this project. From Kamoa Copper's side, we are committed to providing unwavering support to ensure our suppliers' success, as we demand excellence in all our collaborations," stated Annebel Oosthuizen, managing director of Kamoa Copper.

"The solar project is a key milestone in delivering clean, reliable energy to Kamoa Copper. With advanced solar and battery systems, we’re boosting energy resilience, cutting emissions, and advancing sustainable mining. We commend CrossBoundary Energy for their professionalism and technical expertise," remarked Auguy Bakome, project manager at Kamoa Copper.

"Africa’s most significant hindrance to growth and investment is access to reliable and affordable power. Projects like these prove that distributed clean energy can now provide cheaper baseload power, even for heavy industry. We congratulate the Kamoa Copper S.A. team for this project, which will advance the whole sector," concluded Matthew Tilleard, managing partner at CrossBoundary Energy.

 Also read: Ivanhoe Mines reshape DRC’s copper and zinc future

SEW IE3 electric motors offer energy savings in the beverage industry. (Image source: SEW-EURODRIVE)

South Africa’s adoption of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) mandates that all newly imported electric motors meet IE3 premium efficiency levels

SEW-EURODRIVE, however, has long been ahead of this curve, having standardised on IE3 motors more than eight years ago. The company’s commitment to sustainability ensured that its customers transitioned to the advanced technology without bearing additional costs.

Willem Strydom, business development electronics manager at SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, highlights that several industry sectors have been proactive in shifting towards energy efficiency. Rising electricity prices have driven industry to adopt IE3 motors, with SEW-EURODRIVE estimating that these motors consume 7% to 8% less energy compared to IE1 models. Strydom says that when paired with Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), energy savings can reach up to 15%.

“Energy efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with companies’ decarbonisation goals,” said Strydom. “As most electricity in South Africa still comes from coal, reducing consumption directly lowers carbon footprints.”

SEW-EURODRIVE supports its customers by conducting on-site energy assessments and product population surveys at no cost. “These evaluations identify inefficiencies, helping companies to plan their transition to IE3 motors strategically and cost-effectively. The data collected also provides early warnings about potential equipment failures, reducing downtime risks,” remarked Strydom. 

To further ease the shift, SEW-EURODRIVE advises customers to prioritise upgrades in motor classes with lower stock levels and balance replacements between larger and smaller motors for maximum impact. VSDs are often recommended to manage peak energy demands, reducing penalties and extending motor lifespans.

Looking ahead, Strydom believes MEPS will accelerate the adoption of even higher efficiency standards, paving the way for IE4 and IE5 motors. SEW-EURODRIVE is already leading this innovation with its IE5 synchronous motors, which feature integrated permanent magnet technology and deliver up to 50% lower energy losses compared to IE3 models.

“SEW-EURODRIVE’s commitment to advancing energy efficiency is backed by our 300-strong global research and development team,” commented Strydom. “We are already pioneering IE6 technology, setting new benchmarks in sustainability and performance.”

With its forward-thinking approach and robust customer support, SEW-EURODRIVE continues to drive energy efficiency advancements in South Africa, helping industries meet sustainability and cost-saving goals.

Visitors to the Perkins stand at bauma can find out the latest about Project Coeus. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

The Perkins pre-bauma press event in London provided a taste of what the power solutions company will be showcasing at bauma, which takes place from 7-13 April in Munich

At the event, delegates heard about Perkins’ initiatives to provide smarter, more sustainable solutions to support its customers with their diverse needs through the energy transition, and how its latest developments align with its focus on ‘strengthening the core, pioneering the future’.

In line with this, at bauma, Perkins will showcase the latest off-highway power system technologies, from fuel flexible optimised engines to products and services to support the transition to electrification, such as its hybrid-electric telehandler, where a 75 kW diesel-powered telehandler was converted into a hybrid machine, utilising a Perkins 48V battery system to enable electric-only operation.

Taking centre stage will be the 2606 diesel engine, scheduled to go into production in 2026, a new 13-litre engine platform designed to achieve best-in-class power density, torque and fuel efficiency for a wide range of heavy-duty off-highway machine and applications, from screeners , grinders and material handlers to compressors, pumps, construction machinery, mining equipment and tractors. It provides 340-515 kW rated power and up to 3200 Nm peak torque.

The engine supports quality, reliability and easier maintenance through numerous design enhancements, including the integration of components and a reduction in the number of leak joints by more than 45%. Together, the upgrades result in low fluids consumption and extended oil and fuel filter service intervals as long as 1,000 hours, reducing operating costs and downtime. The engine is HVO/renewable diesel and biodiesel compatible, and is compliant with EU Stage 5, US EPA Tier 4 and all other global emissions standards.

Also on display will be the 904J engine. Available in 2.8 and 3.6 litre variants, the 904 series offers a power range from 50 to 106 kw with agricultural, industrial and electric power variants. As of October 2023 more than 100,000 engines had been built and shipped. The 904J-E36TA, which comes into production in March 2025, the 106kw variant of the 3.6 litre engine, offers increased power versus the current 3.6 litre. With a torque of 566Nm and rated speed of 2200 rpm, it is certified to EU Stage 5 and US EPA Tier 4 Final.

Project Coeus update

Visitors to bauma can expect to find out the latest about Project Coeus, a partnership between Perkins Engines, Loughborough University and UK-based engineering specialist Equipmake, designed to support OEMS through the energy transition. An advanced hybridised alternative-fuel power-system to decarbonise the off-highway industry, it involves the development of a multi-fuel ‘drop-in’ hybrid powertrain. The project seeks to overcome a number of key performance challenges faced by the industry and OEMs as they look to adopt alternative fuels, providing the same performance as they would get with diesel and the ability to flexibly use different fuels, such as ethanol, methanol, biomethane and hydrogen. At the heart of it is a spark-ignited engine platform with an integrated hybrid system alongside the combustion engine to mitigate performance differences in the various alternative fuels.

“These advanced drop in power units are going to be key for helping our customers adopt future technologies required for their energy transition, delivering them a robust plug and play power, maintaining the same user experience, minimising the amount of design integration and minimising the amount of violations,” said Paul Moore, head of Powertrain System Integration at Perkins at the press event.

Augmenting the customer experience

Augmenting the customer experience is an important focus for Perkins. At the press event, delegates heard about Perkins Connectivity and Condition Monitoring. Seamlessly linking the user to their Perkins powered applications, Perkins Connectivity provides access to critical real-time data, enabling the user to make informed decisions with insights tailored to support proactive maintenance and maximise efficiency. It also enables access to Perkins comprehensive service network.

“You might find that the service network knows there’s an issue before anyone on site does. Minor issues can therefore be picked up when they are easier, quicker and cheaper to fix, before they become major issues,” said Jessica Langley, senior marketing consultant at Perkins.

“It’s about strengthening relationships with OEMS and its customers, and empowering them to be manage their costs, reduce their downtime and work more efficiently. Perkins Connectivity really redefines reliability, efficiency and sustainability. It’s more than just technology, it’s a support to our customers, whether they be end users or OEMs, every step of the way.”

Throughout the briefing, Perkins representatives emphasised the company's focus on collaboration with customers to understand and address future challenges and address the demand for smarter solutions that provide full life-cycle support. With the current uncertainties over future emissions regulations and the direction of alternative fuels, Perkins is a trusted partner offering flexible solutions and an agile response to the evolving conditions of the energy transition.

"Our customers and their customers now have a global footprint," said Andy Curtis, customer solutions director at Perkins."How do they develop machines with very different technologies and very different challenges around the world? There is no one size fits all. What we are here to do is really listen to our customers and provide that agile support."

bauma is the world's leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment. Perkins will be exhibiting at Stand A4.336

PPC and Yellow Door Energy sign a 24.5 MWp solar PPA, advancing renewable energy and sustainability in South Africa. (Image source: Yellow Door Energy)

PPC Ltd, a leading cement and related products supplier in Southern Africa, has partnered with Yellow Door Energy (YDE), a renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) in the Middle East and Africa, to sign a 24.5 MWp (20 MWac) solar power purchase agreement (PPA)

Under a solar wheeling arrangement, YDE’s solar facility in Leeudoringstad, North West Province, will supply clean electricity to four PPC operations through the Eskom grid. These facilities include PPC Slurry in North West, PPC Dwaalboom in Limpopo, and PPC De Hoek and PPC Riebeek in the Western Cape. The project will deploy more than 20,000 solar panels, generating 57.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable electricity in its first year and reducing carbon emissions by 59,800 metric tons.

“We are excited to announce the signing of a solar power purchase agreement with YDE, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership. This agreement is our second partnership to secure renewable energy which further demonstrates PPC’s commitment to reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. The project is another step towards achieving our strategic objectives to rebuild a profitable and sustainable company,” said Ernesto Acosta, chief operating officer at PPC.

Forbes Padayachee, CEO of YDE South Africa, said, “We are proud to sign this monumental long-term power purchase agreement with PPC. Through this solar wheeling arrangement, PPC is able to secure access to clean, affordable and reliable electricity without further physical constraints on their premises. At YDE, we remain dedicated to advancing renewable energy solutions for commercial and industrial entities, creating local jobs and contributing to South Africa’s energy security and Just Energy Transition.”

A 43 km overhead power line will be installed to link the solar park to an Eskom substation, strengthening the grid and increasing accessibility to clean energy.

As the independent power producer, YDE will handle the financing, design, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the Naledi Ya YDE Solar Park for the duration of the PPA. The power purchase agreement model is gaining popularity among businesses seeking to transition to solar energy, allowing companies to reduce energy costs without upfront capital investment or operational risks, while maintaining their focus on core activities and benefiting from reliable, cost-effective clean electricity.