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HIGH PROFILE
power efficiency and shorter operational life from
the generator, or having to stop it altogether. The
HSK78G has been designed to operate at the
highest ambient temperatures in the most remote
locations, all far from the closest grid, offering full
power capability without derating at 50°C (122°F)
and 500 m (1,640 ft).
Gas vs renewables
The focus of many customers is to achieve the
optimum levelised cost of electricity (LCOE)
given the availability of different technologies
which are suitable for their application. This can
range from 100% gas generation through to a
balanced mix of renewable sources such as wind
or solar, and complementary storage
technologies that leverage the reliability of gas
generation to ride through periods where
renewables are limited by their cyclical nature.
The technology mix utilised will drive the
different capex and opex cost scenarios that will
ultimately affect the LCOE.
Hydrogen-fueled haulage?
Speaking of investments in a variety of technologies,
Cummins recently entered into a definitive agreement to
acquire fuel cell systems provider Hydrogenics Corp in a
deal that comes with an enterprise value of around $290
million.
Hydrogenics, over the past 24 years, has worked hard
on becoming a leading provider of fuel cell and hydrogen
solutions in the power industry, establishing
technologies such as the Proton Exchange Membrane –
or PEM – and Alkaline Electrolyzer Hydrogen generators
for hydrogen generation for industrial processes, fueling
stations and energy storage and transportation. It has
also developed hydrogen fuel cell power generators for
transportation such as trucks, urban transit buses,
commercial fleets and utility vehicles.
Tom Linebarger, Chairman and CEO, Cummins, said,
upon closing of the deal – expected in the September
quarter – the company would share more details about
the acquisition and Cummins’ strategy to offer a broad
portfolio of power solutions to meet its customers’ needs. Hydrogenics fuel cell production 
Improvements in gas engine technology, such as
in the HSK78G engine from Cummins, have pushed
maintenance and overhaul limits well beyond the
traditional envelope, thereby lowering opex costs
over time. Jointly, we will continue to see cost
reductions in storage and battery technology as
volumes increase. For the near future, however,
miners will continue to look for mixed technology
to balance their capex and opex trying to achieve
the lowest LCOE for its sites.
of fossil fuels underground could have significant
cost benefits for underground mines. In addition,
The International Council on Mining and Metals
have set their vision to provide solutions for
minimising the impact of underground diesel
exhaust by 2025. As more underground mining
vehicles and equipment contemplate the potential
benefits of electrification, Cummins will
continuously invest in power systems that will be
ready to support such power need and respond to
any changes in the mining industry.
Preparation for electrification
As much as 40% of an underground mine’s energy
outlay is spent on powering ventilation systems to
remove pollutants from tunnels. Reducing the use
The right technology choice
In the future, most power systems will require a
mix of technologies that are specifically suited to
their environment, emissions zone and location.
Natural gas power offers mining operators an
efficient and proven and prime power solution.
From Cummins perspective, a lot of investments
are made in new gas engineering technology,
which are demonstrated with the HSK78G gas
series. Additional product investments are being made
within the 500-1 MW space, which will be released
later this year, offering a comprehensive gas product
portfolio to meet all market requirements.
Progressively stringent global emissions standards are
also driving Cummins investment into a variety of
technologies – natural gas, diesel, batteries and fuel
cells, to ensure that customers have the right power
for the right application.
AUGUST 2019 | International Mining