A new 112 MW solar project in Zambia will supply First Quantum Minerals’ copper and nickel operations as mining electricity demand rises.
A new Zambia solar project will supply First Quantum Minerals’ copper and nickel operations, as the country’s mining industry faces rising electricity requirements.
The project adds to a growing pipeline of renewable energy developments across Africa, as large industrial users seek additional sources of electricity.
Solarcentury Africa is developing the 112 MWp Kusoka solar plant in Zambia’s North-Western Province. The electricity will primarily supply First Quantum Minerals’ Trident mining operations. The developer announced the project on 3 November 2026 as part of its expanding merchant-power portfolio.
Zambia solar project to supply copper and nickel mines
The Kusoka Solar Plant will serve the Trident complex, which includes the Sentinel copper mine and Enterprise nickel mine.
Solarcentury Africa will own and operate the facility. The developer currently lists the Kusoka project as under development.
The project will follow a merchant-power model. Solarcentury Africa intends to supply First Quantum Minerals while retaining other sales options. Electricity could also be sold to other customers or traded through the Southern African Power Pool, according to the developer.
First Quantum Minerals’ third-quarter 2026 report said its Trident operation was finalising a power offtake agreement with Solarcentury Africa. The company identified Trident as the anchor offtaker and said the project would diversify electricity supply to its Sentinel and Enterprise mines. Read the company’s third-quarter report.
Turkish firm YEO to build the solar plant
Solarcentury Africa will work with First Quantum Minerals and state-owned utility ZESCO on the project. Their work will cover development, commercial structuring and implementation.
Meanwhile, Turkish engineering company YEO has secured the engineering, procurement and construction contract.
According to Solarcentury Africa’s project announcement, YEO will handle design, equipment procurement and construction. Its responsibilities will also include testing and commissioning.
Jason de Carteret, chief executive of Solarcentury Africa, said the project would combine generation tailored to First Quantum Minerals’ operations with the flexibility of the merchant-power model.
He said the approach aims to diversify the miner’s electricity supply while expanding Zambia’s renewable-energy capacity.
Mining drives electricity demand in Zambia
Zambia’s mining industry accounted for around 9.8 TWh, or 63% of national electricity consumption in 2025, according to Energy Regulation Board figures reported by Ecofin Agency.
Mining electricity requirements could reach 1,552 MW by 2030, compared with 886 MW in 2020. The increase comes as Zambia targets higher copper production, according to the same report.
At the same time, drought conditions in 2024 reduced hydropower generation and contributed to electricity shortages.
First Quantum Minerals has diversified the electricity supply to its Zambian operations. Its third-quarter 2026 report said around 80% of its electricity requirements in Zambia came from imports and domestic independent power producers, with ZESCO supplying the balance.
The company said the arrangement supported operational reliability and reduced its reliance on Kariba-based generation. Read First Quantum Minerals’ third-quarter 2026 report.
The Zambia solar project is planned as another source of renewable electricity for the Trident operations. However, Solarcentury Africa will retain the ability to sell electricity to other customers or through the Southern African Power Pool, according to its project announcement.
Solarcentury Africa expands its Zambia portfolio
Kusoka will add to Solarcentury Africa’s existing portfolio of solar projects in Zambia.
At its Mailo development, another 34.5 MWp entered commercial operation, bringing operational capacity at the site to 59.5 MWp.
Solarcentury Africa also lists a further 59 MW phase at Mailo as under development. Its project portfolio includes the 112 MWp Kusoka plant.
The developer is also participating in merchant-power projects. Its Kusoka announcement identifies the Southern African Power Pool as a potential market for electricity sales beyond First Quantum Minerals.
According to Solarcentury Africa, Kusoka will bring additional renewable-energy investment into Zambia and support local participation during development and construction.
