To achieve its emission targets, the mining industry is looking for large-sized, innovative solutions for the supply of renewable energy. Successful implementation of reliable, cost-effective clean energy projects in the harsh conditions at mines is encouraging other industries across the globe to adopt similar solutions. (Canadian Mining Journal)
U.K.-based Aggreko, a world-leading provider of mobile and modular energy sources, has bagged four life-of-mine contracts at major mines. These are a pointer to the imminent and pivotal shift in the energy mix of the mining sector in the coming years.
“Our hybrid projects, such as the Granny Smith project, are quite ahead of the curve and undoubtedly will be transported to the rest of the mining industry and the rest of the world as well,” said Lars Stephan, who heads strategy and markets at Aggreko’s renewable division.
Aggreko installed one of the world’s largest renewable energy microgrids for the Granny Smith gold mine in Western Australia. Comprising more than 20,000 solar panels and supported by a 2 MW/1 MWh battery system, the new hybrid system was integrated with the existing gas-fired power station, also provided by Aggreko.
The company is trialing more innovations for mining, including mobile and containerized PV solutions that would provide much-needed flexibility – both in the choice of location and tenure of installation.
“Most of our new technology is finding its way into the mining space before it is finding its way into other sectors … such as oil and gas, data centers, and major events,” said Rod Saffy, global head of mining at Aggreko. “The mining industry has become very innovative.”
Read the Canadian Mining Journal article HERE.
Image Source: Aggreko