A new type of microgrid integrating photovoltaic energy storage has officially started construction in the Ruida mining area in the northwest province of Zambia. SANY Silicon Energy will leverage the advantages of the entire wind solar energy storage industry chain to build a multi energy complementary power supply system, using China's comprehensive energy solutions to solve the problem of unstable power supply and high costs in mining areas, and help African mines achieve green transformation.

Project Overview

On September 16, 2026, SANY Silicon Energy's Ruida Mine Photovoltaic Energy Storage Microgrid Project in Zambia broke ground, marking the company's first landing project in the field of overseas photovoltaic, energy storage, and diesel powered microgrids. The project has a photovoltaic DC side installed capacity of 13MWp, equipped with 22620 575Wp monocrystalline silicon modules, 38 320kW inverters, and 6 box transformers, with a total energy storage capacity of 39MWh. The energy storage system smooths out photovoltaic fluctuations to ensure short-term power supply, and diesel generators serve as backup power sources to achieve self-sufficiency in electricity in mining areas, reducing diesel consumption and carbon emissions.

Efficient implementation

The project took only two months from the signing of the PPA agreement in August 2026 to start construction, and is planned to be completed and powered by December 31, 2026. The equipment is mainly purchased domestically with a small amount of urgent local procurement, relying on the advantages of SANY Silicon Energy's entire industry chain to complete the integrated delivery of equipment supply engineering construction system debugging. The power grid in remote areas of Africa is weak, and photovoltaic energy storage microgrids are adapted to meet the power supply needs of mines, requiring high requirements for off grid control and black start capability of energy storage. Keywords: Zambian microgrid, new energy

Deeply cultivate Africa

The potential of the African energy storage market is considerable, but the infrastructure is weak, the operation and maintenance are difficult, and the financial pressure is high. This project not only outputs energy storage hardware, but also provides a complete integrated energy solution. With the promotion of energy substitution in African mining parks and the continuous release of demand for photovoltaic energy storage microgrids, domestic enterprises with integrated wind, solar and storage capabilities will continue to expand the African market and deepen cooperation in the field of new energy between China and Africa.Editor/Min Jing