Norton Rose Fulbright advises Kamoa Copper on landmark solar PV and BESS hybrid projects

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Kamoa Copper S.A. (Kamoa) on two landmark renewable power purchase agreements (PPA) signed with CrossBoundary Energy and Green World Energie.

The PPAs consist of a total of 408MWp renewable power supply solar PV electric power generation plants and more than 1.1GWh co-located battery energy storage systems which will enable a 24 hour baseload renewable energy supply of 60MW to the Kamoa-Kakula copper mine located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The two projects are amongst the largest private power procurement projects agreed in sub-Saharan Africa as well as the largest renewable energy commercial and industrial (C&I) power projects. This also represents the region's first hybrid solar PV and battery storage continuous provision of baseload power to a C&I offtaker.

The supply of electricity from the two projects will enable Kamoa to maximise its renewable power inputs, enhance its energy security and reduce its emissions.

The Norton Rose Fulbright team that advised Kamoa was led by London-based partner Laura Kiwelu and Cape Town-based director Matt Ash. They were supported by London partner Melusi Dlamini, counsel Claire Whitney, senior associates Priya Kahlon and CJ Grey, associate Muchinda Muma and associate-designate Hannah Howell.

Laura Kiwelu commented:

“The Kamoa-Kakula mine is one of the world’s most important sources of copper and we are very pleased to have supported Kamoa on enhancing its ability to produce more sustainable, 'green' copper. The market in the sub-Saharan Africa region has seen a significant increase in commercial and industrial power projects over the past few years and we are seeing a strong pipeline of exciting activity which supports this. We look forward to working with Kamoa again in the future and seeing advancements in the Kamoa-Kakula mine as a result of these PPAs.”

Matt Ash commented:

“Kamoa has made great strides towards making its operations more renewable as well as investing in the region locally. These are highly complex landmark projects, being first-in-country hybrid continuous baseload projects. We are very pleased to have had this opportunity assist Kamoa.”

Auguy Bakome, Project Manager at Kamoa commented:

“We commend Norton Rose for their instrumental role in successfully delivering two complex Power Purchase Agreements within the demanding timelines that define Kamoa’s project execution standards. Their deep legal expertise, strategic foresight, and precise execution—aligned seamlessly with our expectations—have been fundamental in advancing our renewable energy objectives and energy transition. Partnerships like this, where collaborators understand and deliver to Kamoa’s standards, are critical to our continued success.”

Diamantis advised Kamoa on the local law aspects.

Previously, Norton Rose Fulbright advised Kamoa on its US$200 million financing for phase three of the mine’s expansion. Norton Rose Fulbright continue to advise Kamoa on their power supply solutions.