In the last few years, more and more mining companies have adopted wind and solar systems to reduce their energy costs at remote off-grid mines. In this first phase, the initial focus was on the integration capabilities as miners were afraid that adding intermittent renewables such as solar and wind could affect the reliability of power supply and even lead to production losses.
In various microgrid applications, renewables combined with diesel, HFO, or gas have proven to provide reliable power supply to remote mines.
For almost all mines, the integration of renewables will have a positive impact on their energy cost position. Mining companies do not have to invest their own money; independent power providers (IPPs) invest in the renewable energy infrastructure and sell electricity to mines through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
This second market phase is characterized by price competition. Large IPPs take advantage of economies of scale on components for solar and wind power plants not only for remote mining projects but also for much bigger grid-connected plants. Market leaders have managed to optimize the planning and construction processes substantially. However, conducting projects in remote locations, especially in Africa, requires an extended experience. Amongst the challenges of undertaking projects in Africa is financing, which requires an excellent relationship with local and international banks.
Cost optimization does not necessarily mean minimizing CAPEX but rather focusing on the total lifetime of the project and including O&M. It is also important to take the interplay of the different energy sources into consideration. Not every kWh of solar and wind energy generated means equivalent fossil fuel savings. When gensets run at suboptimal loads, they lose efficiency and require additional maintenance.
A Voltalia PV power plant in Tanzania during construction. Credit: Voltalia.
During the last 14 years, Voltalia has gained experience in renewable energy projects including solar-diesel hybrid microgrids, projects in remote locations and in developing countries. Their experience adds up to their economies of scale in procurement and translates into significant overall cost-reductions in the range of 20-30% in comparison to new market entrants.
These overall cost reductions will make solar and wind energy extremely attractive for many mines. The number of remote mines that add renewables to diesel, HFO or gas is expected to grow quickly all over Africa.
For further information and detailed results, please have a look at the report: https://www.th-energy.net/english/platform-renewable-energy-and-mining/reports-and-white-papers/
