Solarcentury Africa is proud to announce its collaboration with First Quantum Minerals (“FQM”) on the development of the 112 MWp Kusoka Solar Plant to deliver power primarily to FQM’s Trident mining operations in Zambia’s North-Western Province. The Plant will be owned and operated by Solarcentury Africa as part of its growing merchant power platform in Southern Africa.
The Kusoka Solar Plant will deliver additional renewable electricity generation capacity to support the Trident mining complex, which comprises the Sentinel copper mine and the Enterprise nickel mine. Once operational, the Plant will help diversify the mines’ electricity supply and support FQM’s long-term energy strategy. The Kusoka Solar Plant is being developed on a merchant basis with the ability to sell power to other parties or on the Southern Africa Power Pool, providing future flexibility to FQM.
Solarcentury Africa will bring its experience in renewable energy project development, commercial structuring and implementation across Southern Africa, particularly Zambia, working closely with FQM and ZESCO to deliver an energy solution tailored to the requirements of its mining operations.
YEO has been appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the Kusoka Solar Plant. Its scope will cover engineering and design, equipment procurement, construction, testing and commissioning.
The project represents further inbound investment in Zambia’s renewable energy sector and will create opportunities for local participation during its development and delivery.
The Kusoka Solar Plant further strengthens Solarcentury Africa’s presence in Zambia and its work with the mining sector to develop cleaner, more resilient and commercially competitive energy solutions.
Solarcentury Africa comment
“This is a fantastic collaboration with First Quantum Minerals on the Kusoka Solar Plant and demonstrates the role solar power can play in supporting Zambia’s mining sector. By combining generation tailored to FQM’s operations with the flexibility of our merchant power model, we aim to help diversify its electricity supply while expanding renewable energy capacity in Zambia. We look forward to working with FQM and YEO to deliver this project.” - Jason de Carteret, CEO of Solarcentury Africa.
First Quantum Minerals comment
“This project is yet another initiative anchored by FQM to improve energy-mix for increased energy resilience and bringing more electrons on the Zambia grid to power industries, communities and grow the Zambian economy” - Anthony Mukutuma, Country Director First Quantum Minerals
About Solarcentury Africa
Solarcentury Africa is the leading renewable energy developer with over a decade of experience delivering solar PV and energy storage projects across Africa. Headquartered in the UK with offices in Zambia and Namibia, the company specialises in smart energy technologies that deliver cost effective clean, reliable power to businesses, utilities and communities. Solarcentury Africa is part of the BB Energy Group.
About First Quantum Minerals
First Quantum Minerals is a global mining company principally engaged in the exploration, development and production of copper and other minerals, with a significant operational presence in Zambia. Its Trident operations in Zambia’s North-Western Province comprise the Sentinel copper mine and the Enterprise nickel mine. For more details: first-quantum.com
About YEO
YEO Teknoloji is a publicly listed international engineering and EPC company headquartered in Istanbul, Türkiye, with over 20 years of experience and more than 400 projects across four continents. Supported by a team of over 250 qualified engineers, YEO specializes in delivering turnkey renewable energy power plants, battery energy storage systems (BESS), substations, and grid infrastructure projects. With strong in-house engineering, global procurement, and project execution capabilities, YEO provides integrated EPC solutions from design and construction through to testing and commissioning. For more details: yeo.com.tr
For further information, please contact: enquiries@solarcenturyafrica.com
