Energy

On-site power boost for Kamoa Copper

A glimpse of the new power plant in the DRC (Image source: CrossBoundary Energy)

CrossBoundary Energy’s solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) facility for Kamoa Copper S.A. has achieved commercial operation and is now supplying 30 MW baseload power from the sun to Africa’s largest copper mining complex

The project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) highlights growing interest in renewable and alternative power sources to offset reliance on traditional thermal gensets for remote mining operations and reduce diesel cost volatility, as well as supply chain risk.

“Achieving this milestone with Kamoa Copper S.A. is a significant step to mainstreaming round-the-clock renewable power,” said Gracia Munganga, project development director at CrossBoundary Energy.

“It proves how quickly clean, stable energy can be deployed – and the great potential of renewable energy solutions to support the mining sector’s ambitious growth.”

Kamoa Copper S.A., a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group, and the DRC government, signed the power purchase agreement with CrossBoundary Energy in April 2025, just 16 months ago.

Key takeaways:

• CrossBoundary Energy’s baseload solar/BESS plant in the DRC has reached commercial operation, just 16 months after signing a PPA with Kamoa Copper S.A. in April 2025

• The solution comprises 233 MWp solar PV and 123 MVA/526 MWh BESS that will supply the mine with 30 MW firm power from solar and batteries

• Reaching commercial operation date 16 months after PPA signing makes it the fastest solar/BESS project of this type and scale to be delivered on the African continent

Powering growth

The installed energy system consists of a 233 MWp solar PV array and 123 MVA/526 MWh BESS to supply at least 30 MW baseload power to the mine.

According to a statement by CrossBoundary Energy, firm renewable electricity costs have fallen by around 50% over five years, making solar-plus-storage “cheaper” than conventional thermal baseload generation.

The speed of delivery ensures that Kamoa-Kakula will receive cheaper and cleaner electrons years ahead of other power supply options, it noted.

Auguy Bakome, project manager at Kamoa Copper S.A., said the speed at which the project was delivered also demonstrates how quickly renewable energy can be deployed at scale to support remote mining operations.

“This project shows that solar and battery storage can deliver dependable, sustainable and cost-effective baseload power for large mining operations,” he said.

“We are confident that renewable energy will continue to play a critical role in supporting the growth of our operations and the mining sector more broadly."

Environmental impact

The project also allows the mine site to expand production at the same time as reducing environmental impact, according to Annebel Oosthuizen, managing director at Kamoa Copper S.A., who noted that Kamoa-Kakula copper production is among the lowest carbon-intensive in the world.

“The new facility by CrossBoundary Energy will help power our planned growth in copper production, delivering an additional 30 megawatts of reliable, renewable baseload power."

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Tanzania opens Julius Nyerere hydropower plant

Aerial-view-Julius-Nyerere-dam-hydropower-plant

Aerial view of the new dam and power project (Image source: The Arab Contractors)

In a major boost to the country’s energy sector, Tanzania has officially inaugurated the Julius Nyerere hydropower plant and dam (JNHPP) — officials hailed the move as a turning point for the East African country, which has long been plagued by electricity constraints

The project, estimated to cost around US$2.8bn, is expected to more than double the nation’s generation capacity with a surplus that could support power exports, as well as drive domestic industrial growth.

One of the largest dams in Africa, the 2,115 MW project was completed by an Egyptian joint venture of The Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric.

The official inauguration ceremony was attended by Tanzania’s President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and other dignitaries and included a joint field tour of key facilities:

• The concrete dam extends for 1,036 metres and reaches 131 meters high.

• The power house building at the hydropower plant comprises nine giant water turbines with a capacity of 235 MW each.

• The 400-kV switchyard will transmit generated power and integrate it into the national grid via the Chalenzi 1 and Chalenzi 2 interconnection circuits.

• The bridge built on top of the top of the dam body (Dam Crest Bridge) connects the two banks of the Rufiji River.

• Behind the dam is a giant storage lake with a capacity of 34 billion cubic metres, equipped with seven water outlets to control and discharge water flows.

The completion of the JNHPP project could bring relief to some of Tanzania’s major power consumers, including industries such as mining and cement, which have long faced challenges in securing reliable, affordable energy.

The new electricity produced from JNHPP could improve stability of supply, ease costs and reduce reliance on thermal-based generators, or gensets.

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DSE unveils next-generation generator controllers

DSE launches future-ready DSEG7 generator control series. (Image source: DSE)

Deep Sea Electronics (DSE) has unveiled the new DSEG7-Series, a next-generation range of generator controllers designed to establish a new standard in power control technology

Developed to meet the evolving needs of the global power generation industry, the DSEG7-Series combines advanced processing capabilities, enhanced connectivity and an intuitive user experience within a robust, future-ready platform. Designed for generator manufacturers, system integrators and end users, the new range offers greater performance, flexibility and operational efficiency across standby, prime power and rental applications.

At the core of the DSEG7-Series is an all-new hardware architecture designed to support the next generation of connected and intelligent power systems. With faster processing speeds, expanded functionality and improved system responsiveness, the platform provides a foundation for increasingly sophisticated power management strategies while helping customers prepare for future industry requirements.

Recognising the growing importance of secure and resilient infrastructure, the DSEG7-Series features a cyber-security-ready architecture to support the increasing connectivity demands of modern power systems. As remote monitoring, cloud connectivity and digital integration become increasingly standard across the industry, the platform provides the foundation needed to support evolving cyber security standards and customer expectations.

The DSEG7-Series has also been developed with a Functional Safety (FuSa)-ready architecture, addressing the growing demand for safety-critical control systems across a wide range of applications. As regulatory requirements and system complexity increase, the platform provides a future-ready foundation for applications where reliability, system integrity and operational safety are critical.

A new high-resolution graphical display and redesigned user interface give operators greater visibility of system performance, enabling faster commissioning, simpler diagnostics and more informed decision-making. Enhanced connectivity and networking capabilities also support seamless integration with remote monitoring platforms, SCADA systems and building management systems, helping users maximise uptime and improve operational efficiency.

Designed for demanding real-world environments, the DSEG7-Series features a newly engineered enclosure with enhanced environmental protection for dependable performance in challenging operating conditions. Whether deployed in critical standby power systems, industrial applications or rental fleets, the platform is designed to provide long-term reliability where it matters most.

For OEMs, panel builders, rental operators and end users, the DSEG7-Series provides enhanced flexibility through a common hardware platform. Each controller can be configured for either Remote Start or Auto Mains (Utility) Failure applications, enabling customers to standardise on a single controller variant across multiple projects and installations. By reducing the number of part numbers required in stock, organisations can simplify procurement, lower inventory costs and improve product availability while retaining the flexibility to adapt to changing application requirements.

Manufactured at DSE's UK headquarters, the DSEG7-Series marks the latest chapter in the company's continued investment in engineering excellence, product innovation and future-focused technology development.

"The DSEG7-Series represents a significant step forward in generator control technology," said Felipe Wisintainer, sales director at DSE. "As power systems become more connected, more intelligent and increasingly safety critical, our customers need solutions that are ready for the challenges of tomorrow. With a cyber-security-ready architecture for connected power systems, a Functional Safety-ready foundation for safety-critical applications, and the flexibility to support both Remote Start and Auto Mains (Utility) Failure applications from a single hardware platform, the DSEG7-Series provides a smarter, more future-ready approach to generator control."

With the launch of the DSEG7-Series, DSE continues its commitment to delivering innovative control solutions that enable customers to operate more efficiently, safely and confidently in an increasingly connected world.

The DSEG7-Series is more than a new controller range; it is a future-ready platform engineered to meet the evolving requirements of the global power generation industry.

Dangote Refinery secures US$2.5bn investment ahead of expansion

Nigeria-Dangote-refinery-infrastructure-pipelines

AFC leads strategic investors into Dangote Petroleum Refinery's US$2.5bn private placement (Image source: AFC, Dangote)

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE (DPRP) has attracted $2.5bn of fresh institutional investment at a time when it is preparing to more than double its capacity — signalling strong investor confidence in the project and potentially strengthening Nigeria’s ability to supply its own fuel while becoming a major exporter of refined products

Expansion targets energy security

The investment signalled “investor confidence” in the company and its expansion project, according to David Bird, DPRP’s CEO and managing director.

The approximately US$20 billion integrated complex is integral to Nigeria’s economy, and produces petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, LPG, naphtha and other refined products for local, African and international markets.

Its adjoining petrochemical plant produces polypropylene, which is used in packaging, textiles, automotive components, medical products and other manufactured goods.

Dangote and DPRP’s chairman Aliko Dangote described the transaction as “a strategic step to deepen and further institutionalise” the enterprise’s shareholder base, while raising capital to complement internal cash flows and external debt, as DPRP advances its expansion agenda.

"This further demonstrates our profound commitment to developing domestic refining and petrochemical capacity — reducing Africa's reliance on imported refined products and supporting the continent's energy security.”

• The Nigerian company has secured US$2.5bn in new equity funding, led by Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), as the company prepares to more than double refining capacity by 2028.

• The private placement was 3.7 times oversubscribed, attracting international and African institutional investors, sovereign-related vehicles, development finance institutions and strategic partners.

• The Lagos-based refinery currently has a nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), but Dangote plans to increase this to 1.4 million bpd by 2028 under its Vision 2030 strategy.

AFC strengthens long-term Dangote partnership

AFC’s investment builds on its long-standing financial involvement with the project.

It previously acted as Co-Coordinating Bank on a US$3bn syndicated loan for the refinery and provided support during commissioning.

AFC has also recently received full repayment of its US$300mn senior term loan to Dangote Industries Limited, which helped advance the refinery from concept to development.

Samaila Zubairu, AFC's president and CEO, said the latest investment reflected the organisation's continued confidence in the refinery as one of Nigeria’s most significant industrial assets.

“This is what long-term partnership looks like: capital that remains engaged as a project develops, becomes operational and matures into a stable, cash-generating industrial platform. DPRP's success is a powerful demonstration of the scale of ambition, execution and value creation that is possible in Africa.”

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Scatec completes second Phase of Egypt’s Obelisk project

Scatec completes the second phase of Egypt’s Obelisk project, combining 1.1GW of solar with battery storage.

Scatec ASA has achieved Commercial Operations Date (COD) for the second phase of its Obelisk renewable energy project in Egypt, bringing the full 1.1 GW solar and 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage development into operation

The project was constructed in two stages. Its first phase consists of 561 MW of solar generation capacity alongside the full 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system. The newly operational second phase contributes a further 564 MW of solar capacity.

Scatec and its partners signed the project’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in November 2024, with construction and completion delivered in what the company describes as record time.

“Reaching full commercial operations at Obelisk marks a defining milestone for Scatec. Completing Africa's largest hybrid solar and battery installation demonstrates our ability to develop, finance, and deliver large-scale renewable energy projects in emerging markets. Obelisk will supply clean, reliable power to Egypt for 25 years and is a tangible contribution to the country's energy security and transition,” commented Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec.

Large-Scale Solar and Storage

The Obelisk development is described as Africa’s largest hybrid solar and battery installation. Once fully operational, the project is expected to avoid more than 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

It is also forecast to generate more than 3,000 GWh of clean electricity each year. The output will be supplied to the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) under a 25-year USD-denominated Power Purchase Agreement.

With Obelisk now operational alongside Scatec’s 380 MW BenBan solar facility, the company has approximately 1.5 GW of renewable energy capacity in operation in Egypt.

Expanding Egypt’s renewable energy portfolio

Scatec’s near-term development pipeline in Egypt includes more than 4.3 GW of additional renewable energy capacity and 4.1 GWh of battery storage. Together, the portfolio is expected to generate approximately 17 TWh of clean electricity annually while providing grid stability support.

The company continues to identify Egypt as one of its key long-term growth markets.

Scatec serves as the controlling shareholder in the Obelisk project, with National Bank of Egypt, Norfund and EDF Power Solutions participating as minority equity partners.

Financing for the development was supported by several development finance institutions. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), African Development Bank (AfDB), British International Investment (BII) and European Investment Bank (EIB) provided senior lending.

Scatec managed the development and delivery of the project through its integrated business model, covering Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), Asset Management (AM), and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) throughout the project lifecycle.