Due to the remote locations, power generation for mineral exploration camps is particularly expensive. Typically, power is generated by gensets, and the diesel fuel needs to be transported over long distances by truck or sometimes even by helicopter. The cost of solar and wind energy has declined dramatically over the last decade. Renewable energy could potentially contribute substantial cost savings in comparison to diesel power.
The new study “Mobile Solar and Wind Diesel Hybrid Solutions for Mineral Exploration” presents the analysis of the power generation requirements of the mineral exploration sector and identifies fields of application for renewable energy solutions. One of the main challenges consists of dealing with the relatively long lifetime of traditional renewable energy power plants. They are normally laid out for operations of 25 years or more. Mineral exploration camps typically cover only a relatively short part of the mining value chain. Power requirements are still low in comparison to the consequent extraction operations. Often, mineral exploration is performed by specialized exploration companies. Finally, at the exploration stage, there is no guarantee of finding enough mineral deposits to justify setting up a mining infrastructure. All the factors demonstrate that exploration companies have no interest in committing to 25 or more years of electricity supply at specific sites. Exploration companies require semi-portable, flexible solutions that minimize the effort of dismantling them and rebuilding them at a new location.
PFISTERER Holding AG, Winterbach/Germany, has developed a containerized microgrid solution tailored to the needs of the exploration sector (Figure 1). An integrated storage component ensures the reliability of the system. It improves the power quality, allowing the shift of energy during periods with insufficient wind or solar irradiation. At the end, that allows the diesel gensets to be completely switched off for longer periods, increasing the share of renewable energy in the system. The study can be downloaded at http://www.th-energy.net/english/platform-renewable-energy-and-mining/.
Further information/Weitere Informationen:
Pfisterer Holding AG
http://de.pfisterer.com
THEnergy – Dr. Thomas Hillig
www.th-energy.net