French renewables developer Total Eren plans to build a 430MW wind and solar project in Zambia.
It will work with Africa-focused energy company, Chariot Limited, to deliver the project for First Quantum Minerals.
The majority of the project's output will be used for First Quantum Mineral's mining operations in Zambia, while excess supply could be sold to the grid or to a third party, a Total Eren spokesman advised.
The developers plan to use 200MW of wind capacity and 230MW of solar PV capacity. They anticipate agreeing a name for the project in due course, the spokesman added.
Construction of the approximately $500 million is due to begin in 2023.
Zambia currently lacks operational wind power capacity, according to Windpower Intelligence, the research and data division of Windpower Monthly
General Manager of First Quantum Minerals’ copper and gold mine in Kansanshi, Anthony Mukutuma, said: “The project will offer significant benefits to Zambia, by unlocking some of its world-class renewable potential. It will help the country realise some of its untapped solar and wind resources by attracting large-scale foreign investment and adding significant renewable energy capacity.”
Mukutama added that Zambia was looking to reduce its power imports and exposure to fuel price rises.
Anglo American in South Africa
Total Eren’s and Chariot’s announcement follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in South Africa, by EDF Renewables and mining group, Anglo American.
It relates to the development of a regional renewable energy ecosystem (RREE), that would aim to meet Anglo American’s operational electricity requirements in South Africa, through the supply of 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
The RREE would involve the development of on- and off-site solar and wind farms and could see the implementation of 3-5GW of renewables and storage capacity over the next decade.
