MINING ENERGY
First Solar is cost competitive with conventional energy sources today. It provides a LCOE of between $ 0.07-0.15 / kWh, depending on irradiance levels, interest rates, and other factors such as development costs
monitored and controlled to ensure optimal operation and savings throughout the entire system.
A mining client in western Tanzania which had high power costs in off-grid is a case in point. This is a mine in Western Tanzania producing some 80,000 oz / y of gold. Without access to a reliable grid power source, the mine relies exclusively on a rented 6 MW HFO power station. It turned to Redavia Rental Solar Power’ s flexible solar power service to reduce diesel fuel cost.
In the first phase, Redavia deployed a 63 kWp rental solar power plant at the client site, converting the client’ s power source into a hybrid
system. The solar plant is financed by Redavia and rented to the client on a high flexible 24 month rental contract. The client started making cash cost savings immediately, and the small scale farm is predicted to produce 100,000 kWh / y, saving 28,000 litres of diesel.
In the second phase, the client intends to increase the installed solar capacity to MW scale. Phase 1 has already provided valuable sitespecific data and experience, while cementing relationships with local operations and maintenance service providers. Once operational, the full-scale rental solar farm will generate six figure savings during the anticipated rental period.
Redavia says it has“ unique capabilities to satisfy mining’ s need for flexible, low cost, and reliable energy in even the most remote locations: n Containerised, re-deployable rental solar
plants gives clients unrivalled flexibility in rental contract duration n Innovative rental solar financing structure a clients to access savings from solar energy without up-front investment. Caterpillar’ s strategic alliance with First Solar was noted earlier. First Solar’ s advanced Series 5 solar modules provide the next generation of thin film solar technology. These thin film solar modules deliver“ faster installation, extensive compatibility and a higher return on investment for long-term owners,” the company says.“ Series 5 PV modules have a demonstrated performance advantage over conventional crystalline silicon solar of up to 10 % more energy each year. n Outperforms conventional crystalline silicon solar modules with equal power rating n Proven energy yield advantage in humid climates due to superior spectral response and in hot climates due to superior temperature coefficient(-0.28%/° C) n Robust against shading in landscape orientation n Extended reliability in harsh environments n More watts per connection than the 72-cell multicrystalline modules n New design increases compatibility to eliminate BOS costs n Compatible with newer 1,500V system architecture for operational and capital benefits
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SEPTEMBER 2016 | International Mining 79