Off-grid mines can slash fuel requirements and CO2 emissions by up to 28% by using microgrids that combine solar power, battery storage, and diesel generators, according to a new study.
The ABB report, Reducing Energy Costs and Environmental Impacts of Off-Grid Mines, outlines how microgrids can help miners generate a reliable power supply and trim emissions at the same time, all without breaking the bank.
“For off-grid mining in particular, renewable and storage technologies present an ideal opportunity not only to improve the mine’s environmental footprint, but also to reduce energy costs while improving power quality,” ABB’s microgrid business states in its report.
An increasing number of sites around the world already power themselves with hybrid microgrids. The focus is now on “developing unsubsidized, profitable business cases that effectively reduce fuel dependency,” according to the study.
Miners can start small with wind and solar, then scale up microgrid capacity over time. This approach insulates companies against risk and responds to market conditions.
Read the full article in CleanTechnica.