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MINING ENERGY_proof 22/08/2016 19:48 Page 9 MINING ENERGY n Anti-reflective coated glass (Series 5A™) enhances energy production. At temperatures above 25°C, First Solar modules produce more energy than competing solar modules due to a superior temperature coefficient. This proven performance advantage provides stronger plant performance in high temperature climates, where more than 90% of a plant’s generation will occur when module temperatures are above 25°C and First Solar modules have a proven performance advantage.” Solar panels on tailings ponds An innovative and energy-smart concept to harness clean solar power for multiple applications is being tested in the Mediterranean, off the island of Malta. Conceived and developed by researchers at MIRARCO and Laurentian University in Sudbury, Canada, the Offshore Passive Photo-Voltaic (OPPV) project is using thin solar panels (photo-voltaic cells) floating on the water’s surface to generate energy. The array of panels, measuring about 20 m by 20 m, is expected to have a peak output of 8 kW. MIRARCO researcher Kim Trapani: “We believe our system is a substantial improvement on other forms of marine renewable energy, such as offshore wind, rigid offshore photo-voltaic structures, wave and tidal energy. The floating PV panels do not pose a collision risk, and should require very low maintenance.” Dr Dean Millar, Professor in the Bharti School of Engineering and the MIRARCO Research Chair of Energy in Mining is particularly interested in the potential applications of the OPPV project in mining. “Wherever they are located, mines tend to consume appreciable amounts of energy to support mineral production,” said Millar. “The Maltese demonstration project is a world first that aims to prove thin-film PV technology in the saltwater marine environment, but it has also been developed as an electricity generating system for mines.” The flexible laminated panels will float on the surface of the water of tailings ponds, said Millar. “The panels could form a barrier to isolate wildlife from the tailings waters, while the panels generate electricity for the mine.” Trapani and Millar have published research suggesting that for remote mines, the cost per kilowatt-hour produced with the PV systems is lower than the cost of installing and running diesel-powered generators. “Our OPPV technology could have game-changing implications for the mining industry, especially with remote mine sites, by providing clean and cheap energy that can be set up where needed with relatively little infrastructure. These demonstration projects aim to prove longer term reliability,” said Millar. 82 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2016 Power management In May, Schneider Electric announced Premset, its innovative range of solid insulated medium voltage switchgear for power distribution management. Premset is the first global product to use solid and shielded insulation. The earth shielded system offers unprecedented safety, efficiency and ease of use. The main circuit components are insulated by a layer of solid material covered by an external conductive coating with ground potential. There is no electric field in the ambient air, because live conductors and the ground is confined within the switchgear enclosure. “Premset is a breakthrough in