MINE POWER benefit the environment but ensure profitability of the mine ’ s continued operations and helps retain regulator and government support .”
Aggreko introduced two renewable technologies to hybridise the current power set up at Wetar , including mobile solar PV panels and a battery energy storage system
Mobile solar PV panels
Flexibility is one of the key benefits of Aggreko ’ s latest mobile and containerised PV solution , which has recently been deployed at BTR ’ s Wetar copper mine in Indonesia .
Up until recently , Wetar ’ s copper mine power requirements were solely met by thermal diesel power generation , banking on this reliable source to achieve the best operational efficiency . To push the mine ’ s decarbonisation efforts while ensuring reliability of power would not be compromised , Aggreko introduced two renewable technologies to hybridise the current power set up . This saw it introduce mobile solar PV panels with a BESS while also upgrading the diesel power generation to a higher efficiency technology .
The implementation of the new hybrid solution was carried out through a “ zero capex model ”, Aggreko said .
Mobile solar PV panels were integrated into the hybrid solution as they could be dismantled within 30 minutes , making them suitable for cyclonic areas such as Wetar Island , which is prone to typhoons .
The BESS , meanwhile , serves as spinning reserve displacement , which is conventionally supported by integrating extra power generators in the total generation mix , serving as redundancy .
“ The BESS not only removes the need for fossil fuel-based generators to be running constantly to provide resilience ; it means that the other generators in the system , which no longer require the extra headroom of spinning reserve , can be utilised more efficiently , increasing their average load ,” the company explained . “ This results in lower fuel consumption and costs , lower operations costs , lower emissions and an increased lifespan for the thermal generators on the grid .”
Thanks to Aggreko ’ s ongoing engineering developments , it was able to propose a shift in the diesel generation technology on site from G3 to G16 ( which offers a 7 % improvement in fuel efficiency compared with G3 ) to maximise operational efficiency for the mine , the company said .
“ This upgrade gave them an efficiency improvement of 0.285 litre / kWh to 0.266 litre / kWh in terms of specific fuel consumption ( SPC ) rates with utilisation of B30 biodiesel fuel ,” Aggreko explained .
Supported by Aggreko ’ s proprietary Smart Energy Management System , the mobile hybrid solution can provide continuous power supply to the mine , Aggreko claims . This software is optimised for weak and off-grid energy applications to ensure maximum reliability and power quality .
“ As a result , the mine has been able to benefit from the latest technological upgrades and meet its sustainability objectives through their operating expenditure and without significant financial outlay ,” the company said .
Over the five-year contract duration , the mine will save up to 4.6 million litres of fuel , as well as reduce emissions by 12,340 t of carbon , according to Aggreko . It will also reduce its overall cost by more than $ 3.7 million , the company claims .
“ This is expected to extend the mine economic viability for an estimated additional 10 years ,” Aggreko said . “ These significant savings not only
A total integrated electric power solution
Global efforts to decarbonise heavy industry and limit global warming are ratcheting up the pressure on mining companies to phase-out fossil fuels in favour of green alternatives such as wind and solar PV , and accelerate the transformation of off-grid mining to battery energy storage and renewables , according to Mehrzad Ashnagaran , Global Product Line Manager of Electrification at ABB .
However , as these distributed and intermittent energy sources continue to grow their share in the energy mix , so the need to supply mines with reliable , clean power on a continuous basis presents a new set of challenges for operators when it comes to infrastructure , maintenance and operating constraints .
“ First , mines are becoming more energyintensive , with 30-60 MW operations now the norm rather than the exception ,” Ashnagaran says . “ This additional power consumption must be balanced against the fact that mine projects are typically found in remote locations far from established infrastructure and grid systems .”
The challenge for technology providers such as ABB , therefore , is to develop tailored electrification , automation and digital solutions that integrate renewables with power management and storage systems to provide stable power distribution and decarbonise brownfield and greenfield projects .
The ABB Ability™ eMine™ portfolio of electrification technologies is one such solution . Integrated with automation and services to monitor and optimise energy usage , eMine can reduce diesel consumption by up to 90 % while haul trucks are on an electric trolley system , for example , ABB says .
“ Second , there is the often-overlooked issue of power quality ,” Ashnagaran continued . “ The
Tailored power solutions are needed for the electrification of mining operations , according to ABB ’ s Mehrzad Ashnagaran
66 International Mining | JANUARY 2023