HARRL Delivers Prefabricated Substations and MV & LV Switchgear for DRC Copper Mine Hybrid Power Project

HARRL (Jiangxi Huanlin Group Co., Ltd.) supplied a complete medium- and low-voltage power distribution package for the solar–storage–diesel hybrid power system of a copper mine in Lualaba Province, in the south-eastern Copperbelt of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The scope covered prefabricated substations, KYN28-12 (12 kV) and KYN61-40.5 (40.5 kV) MV switchgear, and GGD low-voltage distribution — confirming HARRL as a single-source switchgear supplier for mining projects across Africa.

Project background

Copper mines in the DRC operate far from a stable national grid, so reliable on-site power is mission-critical. To cut fuel costs and emissions, the project adopted a solar–storage–diesel hybrid microgrid that combines photovoltaic generation, battery energy storage, and diesel gensets.

Integrating these sources and distributing power safely to mine loads demanded a robust, fully coordinated electrical distribution system across two medium-voltage levels (40.5 kV and 12 kV) plus low-voltage feeders — exactly the kind of integrated package HARRL is built to deliver.

The HARRL solution: a complete MV & LV power distribution package

Rather than sourcing equipment from several vendors, the customer relied on HARRL for the entire distribution lineup, factory-coordinated for compatibility:

• Prefabricated substations — compact, weatherproof, transport-ready units suited to remote mine sites with minimal civil work.
• KYN61-40.5 MV switchgear — 40.5 kV metal-clad switchgear for the high-voltage collection and distribution level.
• KYN28-12 MV switchgear — 12 kV metal-clad switchgear for the primary distribution level.
• GGD LV distribution — low-voltage switchgear for mine auxiliary and load feeders.
• Standards: designed and tested to IEC 62271 (switchgear) and IEC 62271-202 (prefabricated substations).

Each lineup was fully assembled and routine-tested in the factory before shipment, so equipment arrived at site ready for installation and commissioning — a major advantage for a remote Central African location.

Plant configuration: a total of approximately 32 panels of MV switchgear across the 40.5 kV and 12 kV levels, paired with 4 prefabricated substation units distributed across the mine site.

Engineering and delivery capability

This project showcases HARRL's end-to-end capability: design, manufacturing, full factory testing, export logistics to Central Africa, and on-site technical support. By supplying prefabricated substations and both 12 kV and 40.5 kV MV switchgear as one coordinated package, HARRL removed integration risk for the customer and shortened the on-site construction window.

It also demonstrates HARRL's experience with power distribution for solar-diesel hybrid and microgrid applications — a fast-growing requirement for mining and off-grid industrial sites across Africa and the Middle East.

Why choose HARRL for mining power distribution

As an experienced medium voltage switchgear manufacturer and prefabricated substation supplier, HARRL offers mining and industrial clients:

• Single-source MV & LV switchgear, transformers, and prefabricated substations.
• IEC-compliant manufacturing with full factory testing.
• Proven export delivery to Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
• Solutions engineered for hybrid, off-grid, and remote-site power systems.

Planning a mine or off-grid power project? Contact HARRL for a quotation on prefabricated substations and MV switchgear engineered for your site.

Related reading: see another prefabricated substation project delivered for a 100 MWp solar plant in China, or view all projects in our global portfolio.