Otjikoto Mine – Namibia. Image courtesy of B2Gold websiteVancouver-based gold producer B2Gold will build a 7MW solar power plant at its Otjikoto mine in Namibia, Engineering News reports. Installation is already under way, with completion scheduled for early 2018. Once online, it will reduce reliance on the heavy fuel oil-fired power plant that currently powers the operation.
The system will run on Cat photovoltaic (PV) solar modules and a Cat microgrid master controller (MMC), with Barloworld supplying engineering, procurement and construction services for the project.
“As one of the largest solar installations in Namibia, the facility at the Otjikoto mine will help us to leverage a plentiful, renewable resource, while improving the quality of life for nearby communities,” B2Gold Namibia MD and country manager Mark Dawe said.
Caterpillar’s solar PV system employs advanced thin-film solar modules that offer improved performance over conventional silicon solar panels. The modules form the core of the Cat Microgrid technology suite, a product line that includes solar PV, energy storage, and advanced monitoring and control systems. The system enables real-time collection and communication of on-site performance data.
Read the full article at Engineering News.