POWER FOR MINES
Lonely
power
Access to reliable and cost-effective forms of energy is a
strategic priority for the global industry. John Chadwick
examines both traditional and renewable energy solutions
ining has traditionally relied on
conventional fossil-based fuel sources
— diesel, oil, coal and natural gas —
to meet its growing energy demand. The
industry is expanding into new and often remote
locations as a response to increasing demand
from growing emerging markets. This often
means having to deal with unreliable power
supply from the grid and uncertain power prices.
In most instances, grid-connected electricity
needs to be supplemented with on-site
generation, typically large-scale diesel
generation, resulting in a dependency on diesel
fuel. The more remote the mine, the more likely
off-grid power solutions are required (From EY’s
Mining: the growing role of renewable energy).
“Many of the world’s largest mining
companies are evaluating greater use of
renewable energy plants — a trend set to
intensify rapidly — as part of a broader strategy
to lock in long-term fixed electricity prices and
availability while minimising exposure to
regulatory changes, market pricing and external
fue