ENDEAVOUR SABODALA MINE
ENERGY AND MINES: What are the most promising hybrid energy solutions currently being adopted in the mining sector, and how are they contributing to decarbonization efforts? MARTIN SCHLECHT: From my perspective, the most promising hybrid energy solutions are combinations of solar and wind, as the complementarity at a given mine site can bring the largest renewable share with the lowest generation cost. For off-grid mines specifically, the wind energy option should be examined. Examples are the solar and wind installations at Goldfield’s Agnew mine in Australia or at Rio Tinto QMM’s mine at Fort-Dauphin in Madagascar, where the solar is already inaugurated while the wind installation is planned. Solar energy is usually easier and faster to implement, while wind development takes longer. Consequently, a first step can be maximizing solar energy generation while developing a wind project in parallel.
Using only solar, the highest renewable energy share is achieved when solar will provide all electricity during the daytime. It requires a zero-engine concept which is currently being implemented with the extension of the solar plant at B2Gold’s Fekola mine in Mali. This phase 2 solar project will add 25MWp solar and 12MWh BESS, bringing the complete solar installation to 61MWp PV and 30MW and 27MWh BESS, for a mine load at around 40MW. It will allow a zero-engine operation during daytime, providing more than 30% of the total electricity demand from solar. Adding wind energy to the equation, the annual renewable energy share could reach up to 75% or more depending on the available wind resource and project boundary conditions, still under an estimated payback of less than six years against HFO fuel cost savings. E&M: What role do battery storage systems play in ensuring a reliable energy supply for mining operations, and how do they impact the overall decarbonization strategy?
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