EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A mining microgrid project in the Democratic Republic of Congo has entered construction with AEMEnergy supplying a 5 MW/10 MWh BESS. The system will support a 20 MW solar PV facility in Lualaba Province, improving power reliability for mining operations while reducing diesel dependence, energy costs and carbon emissions.
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AEMEnergy, an energy storage solutions provider serving utility-scale and commercial and industrial applications, has supplied a 5 MW/10 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) for a mining microgrid project in Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project combines 20 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity with 10 MWh of battery storage and has officially entered the construction phase.
Under the project, AEMEnergy is providing an integrated BESS comprising DC battery cabins and step-up units. The storage system is designed to provide stable and continuous electricity for mining operations, where high power demand and challenging operating conditions require reliable energy infrastructure.
Lualaba Province is one of the world's copper and cobalt producing regions. According to AEMEnergy, mining operations in the area face constraints including limited grid capacity, unstable electricity supply and dependence on diesel generators. These conditions can increase electricity costs and affect the continuity of energy-intensive mining activities.
The integration of solar generation and battery storage is intended to provide a more reliable power supply for critical mining processes. The BESS can store electricity generated by the solar facility and make energy available when required, supporting greater utilization of renewable generation and reducing reliance on diesel-based electricity.
AEMEnergy cited industry estimates indicating that diesel-generated electricity for mining operations can cost substantially more than renewable power. The company expects the solar-plus-storage configuration to reduce diesel-related power costs by nearly 50% while reducing carbon emissions associated with diesel generation.
Once completed, the 20 MW solar PV and 5 MW/10 MWh BESS microgrid will provide electricity and energy storage for mining operations in Lualaba Province. The battery system will support power reliability and enable greater utilisation of electricity generated by the on-site solar facility.