MINE POWER
Included within the ABB eMine approach is an automated fast charging solution
“ Furthermore , our eMine approach for electrification and automation , which makes mines all-electric and includes integrated solutions that help eliminate CO 2 emissions , will help to increase the mine ’ s efficiency and ensure energy efficient and seamlessly integrated systems across the entire plant .”
Aggreko cutting Scope 2 emissions
Aggreko is another company intent on helping the mining sector reach net-zero status with a range of low- and no-carbon emitting solutions on its books .
The provider of mobile modular power , temperature control and energy solutions recently won the bid to build , own and operate a 12.4 MW solar farm and 8.8 MW / 2.1 MWh Battery Energy Storage System ( BESS ) under a long-term power purchase agreement for Rio Tinto ’ s Amrun project in Weipa , Queensland .
Rio Tinto said the project , which will supplement power currently supplied by Aggreko ’ s diesel generators , will help it reduce Scope 2 emissions at its Weipa operations by up to 10 %.
Once operational , Aggreko ’ s 12.4 MW solar farm and BESS are expected to reduce Amrun ’ s diesel electricity consumption by 37 % or approximately 5.5 million litres of diesel fuel per year . This will reduce annual CO 2 emissions by approximately 14,000 t , which is the equivalent of taking 3,100 internal combustion engine cars off the road .
The remote location and power effectiveness made Aggreko the ideal company to build , own , operate and maintain the Amrun solar farm , Rio said , with Aggreko ’ s capabilities ensuring the miner has constant and efficient energy for critical applications and day-to-day use .
George Whyte , Managing Director of Aggreko Asia Pacific , said : “ The existing power stations ’ performance is essential for all Weipa operations , and as we look into the future , we are confident that the introduction of solar will help both companies achieve our decarbonisation targets .”
Early works have commenced on the Amrun solar farm , which is expected to be operational by early 2025 , with no interruption to local power services . Once completed , the Amrun solar farm will provide around 21 GWh / y of renewable power .
Rolls-Royce on fuel matters
Rolls-Royce recently opened a new assembly plant for its mtu Series 2000 engines in Kluftern near Friedrichshafen , Germany , as part of a strategy to highlight the continuing role the internal combustion engine is set to play in the energy transition with the use of sustainable fuels .
The new production facility , which was announced in 2021 and involved a mid-doubledigit million-euro investment in the future of this technology , creates space for assembly and shipping . The assembly of mtu Series 2000 engines , which are used in , among other applications , generator sets in mining , will be relocated to Kluftern , enabling the modernisation of the existing assembly halls in Rolls-Royce ’ s Plant 2 in Friedrichshafen .
The new production building has been designed to be highly energyefficient and climate-friendly . For example , a 1.2 MW-peak PV system provides green electricity , e- charging columns ensure clean mobility solutions , and an intelligent building control system alongside other equipment
measures will ensure energy-efficient operation .
Dr Jörg Stratmann , CEO , Rolls-Royce Power Systems , said : “ We are convinced that , in conjunction with sustainable fuels and new technologies , the internal combustion engine will play a central role in the future . Because it ’ s the fuel that matters , not the engine .”
Renewable diesel ( HVO ) is an important step on the road to decarbonisation . Many mtu engines from Rolls-Royce have already been released for use with this sustainable fuel , with HVO enabling up to 90 % CO 2 reduction as well as reducing particulate and NOx emissions .
Stratmann explained : “ We are doing everything we can to make the internal combustion engine climate-neutral with sustainable fuels and in combination with new technologies .”
Eco-friendly generation
Green hydrogen is one such fuel that has been mooted as providing the ‘ green ’ future for combustion engines , with Hitachi Energy having just unveiled a Hydrogen Power Generator that could decarbonise power generation in hard-toabate applicates .
Called the HyFlex™ demonstration unit , the generator was revealed in Gothenburg , Sweden , alongside Hitachi Energy ’ s technology partner , PowerCell Group .
HyFlex is designed for generation where power grid connections are impractical and diesel generators are not an option . The medium-power variant provides power for temporary installations and is designed for 400 – 600 kVA . The high-power variant caters to permanent installations and will provide 1 MVA or more per unit and can be installed in parallel to meet the customer ’ s specific power needs . At its core , it is an integrated and scalable plug-and-play generator for temporary or permanent installation . The unit is emission-free , producing only AC power , usable heat and water . In comparison , a 1 MVA diesel generator running at full load combusts roughly 225 kg of diesel and emits 720 kg / h of CO 2 emissions .
HyFlex is designed for generation where power grid connections are impractical , and diesel generators are not an option
46 International Mining | JANUARY 2024