MINE POWER
Solving the storage dynamic
The mining sector ’ s use of renewable power continues to accelerate and mature as the reliability and cost associated with using and storing this energy improves , Dan Gleeson reports
Independent Power Producers ( IPP ) are now a force to be reckoned with , offering innovative business models , tailored and integrated new energy solutions , and operational nous that goes beyond the standard utility company fare .
While this market transition has not happened overnight , it correlates with the introduction of renewable energy at off-grid mine sites and the burning need to decarbonise operations .
These companies reportedly own the majority of currently operating renewable energy generation capacity across the globe , having been quicker and nimbler than the utilities to tie themselves to the decarbonisation trend , and they are intent on gaining even more market share .
Leading from the front
One such IPP is Australia-based Zenith Energy , which has sealed some notable contracts across the country by offering a build own operate ( BOO ) model able to reduce the renewable integration risk for mining companies .
The company has been quick to advance with renewables and is now recognised as an IPP hybrid power pioneer , according to Dominic Da Cruz , Executive ESG & Stakeholder Engagement , for Zenith Energy .
“ Yes , the BOO model is a differentiator , but more important to our clients is the experience and leadership in this space that Zenith can demonstrate ,” he told IM .
“ For example , we provided Australia ’ s first large-scale commercial ( non-grant funded ) hybrid mining power station , we are Australia ’ s only IPPaccredited installer of 5B ’ s Maverick™ system ( a prefabricated and relocatable solar array ) and are the developer of Australian mining ’ s first ‘ engineoff ’ 100 % renewable energy power remote offgrid mine site , which offers up to nine hours of continuous power at IGO ’ s Nova operations in Western Australia .”
On top of this , Zenith is also behind one of the largest “ behind-the-meter ” remote off-grid battery energy storage solutions ( BESS ) installed on an Australian microgrid mine site ( a 9 MW solution ) and is set to construct Australia ’ s largest renewable energy hybrid power station in mining – a 95 MW hybrid power station including 30 MW of wind capacity , a 16 MWp fixed axis solar PV array and a 17 MW / 19 MWh BESS – at Liontown Resources ’ Kathleen Valley lithium project .
Zenith has seen a sea change in terms of mine power solutions within Australia , with Da Cruz saying in the past 24 months all mining projects the company has tendered for have included requests for hybrid renewable energy power solutions .
“ This demand is coming from all greenfield resources projects , with the highest requirement for renewable energy penetration from battery minerals and gold projects ; yet , even with brownfield projects , we are seeing great demand to retrofit renewables and storage from Tier 1 gold miners ,” he said .
Improvements in BESS technology have been a contributing factor to this trend , according to Da Cruz , allowing a more reliable and consistent source of renewable power to be used . More sophisticated control systems have also given mining companies the confidence to move away from the fossil fuel-based status quo and consider renewable integration into a hybrid setup .
“ At our hybrid sites , predictive renewable
Zenith Energy is trialling a 100 % renewable energy operation at IGO ’ s Nova nickel-coppercobalt mine in Western Australia
energy generation information is provided through the power station control system , allowing the thermal generators enough time to increase their output to offset the reduced renewable generation output ,” he added . “ In these circumstances , the generators are balanced to maximise the renewable generation insertion and maintain a constant and secure supply of power . Where BESS is also being utilised , it again reduces the amount of thermal energy input needed .”
The company ’ s proprietary techno-economic modelling capabilities also enable Zenith to provide clients with the highest renewable energy penetration at the lowest levelised cost of energy ( LCOE ), according to Da Cruz – another factor , on top of achieving group-wide emission reduction targets , that is influencing the increased uptake of renewables .
Successful renewable integration does , however , require mining companies to think long term and plan to integrate renewable energy from the very early stages of a mine development plan .
“ A longer tenure is required for renewable solutions to be economic ,” Da Cruz explained . “ The shorter the term , the less economic renewables become .
“ In addition , having a mine design that optimises renewable energy intermittency will achieve the lowest LCOE . Therefore , we recommend mining companies consider it earlier in mine design to achieve the lowest GHG emissions and lowest LCOE .”
58 International Mining | JANUARY 2023