Renewables-plus-storage installations as a chance to decarbonize mining
Mining operations contribute to around 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the significance of developing technologies for decarbonization within this sector. Utilizing renewable energy sources, coupled with energy storage solutions, presents a promising opportunity to diminish the environmental footprint of the mining industry.
Two nickel mines in Western Australia are set to be outfitted with solar-plus-storage installations. Additionally, there are plans to supply power to the ilmenite mine in Madagascar using a hybrid solar-wind setup along with energy storage.
Australian solar-plus-storage project
BHP, an Anglo-Australian mining company, is collaborating with the Canadian company TransAlta Renewables to construct two photovoltaic farms and an energy storage facility. These installations will support the nickel mines in Mt Keith and Lenister. The first farm will have a capacity of 27.4 MW, while the second will be 10.7 MW. The energy storage system will possess a power output of 10.1 MW and a capacity of 5.4 MWh. These developments are part of The Northern Goldfield Solar Project, aimed at enhancing health, safety, and emission levels among nickel miners, making them among the world’s lowest in emissions.
The solar-plus-storage project in Western Australia is anticipated to decrease CO2 emissions from nickel mining by 540,000 tonnes over the initial decade. Furthermore, the installation will yield economic benefits by reducing BHP’s fuel expenses and enhancing the power system’s reliability. This aspect is particularly crucial for mines situated in remote areas with limited access to the power grid, compelling them to rely on self-generated energy. Procuring fossil fuels in such circumstances is costly and logistically challenging. Hence, employing renewable energy sources combined with energy storage presents a viable alternative.
In 2020, BHP and TransAlta inked an energy supply agreement, paving the way for the construction of the solar-plus-storage system slated to commence in 2022. The project is projected to take between 12 to 14 months to complete and is estimated to cost AUD 73 million (equivalent to approximately PLN 208 million).
Solar-wind-storage installation in Madagascar
Meanwhile, Rio Tinto has entered into an agreement with independent energy supplier CrossBoundary Energy to deliver power from a combination of solar and wind power plants, coupled with energy storage. These resources will be utilized to energize the ilmenite mine in Fort Dauphin, Madagascar, and provide electricity to approximately 80,000 residents in the city and its surrounding areas. The solar installation will have a capacity of 8 MW, while the wind installation will have a capacity of 12 MW. Energy storage is expected to deliver 8.25 MW of power. The solar power plant will comprise over 18,000 solar panels, and the wind power plant will feature up to 9 wind turbines, situated in the Port Ehoala Park region near Fort Dauphin.
Construction of the solar power plant is scheduled to commence this year, with commercial operation anticipated to start in early 2022. Subsequently, construction of the wind power plant will follow, with completion targeted for the end of 2022. The system is expected to remain operational for a period of 20 years.
The mine is owned by QMM (QIT Madagascar Minerals), a joint venture between Rio Tinto (holding 80% of shares) and the government of Madagascar (holding 20% of shares), as highlighted by the company’s president, Ny Fanja Rakotomalala.
On windy and sunny days, all power for QMM and the Fort Dauphin community will be generated by Malagasy sun and wind. This is a major step forward in our journey towards a truly sustainable mine that protects and promotes the uniqueness of Madagascar’s environment and provides the community with reliable and clean electricity.
Fanja Rakotomalala, President of Rio Tinto QMM
Each year, the installation is expected to meet 60% of the mine’s overall energy requirements. The project’s goal is to assist Rio Tinto in achieving carbon neutrality in Madagascar by 2023. Furthermore, it is part of a wider initiative aimed at lessening the environmental footprint of ilmenite mining. This initiative encompasses reducing emissions, enhancing waste management practices, restoring ecosystems, and engaging in reforestation efforts.