mining PV

In an Australian first, up to 100% of daytime operations at two major iron ore mines have been powered entirely by renewable energy, as utility Alinta Energy has switched on the 60 MW Chichester Hub Solar Farm in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

Renewable energy is rapidly being adopted by mining companies as the combination of off-grid power and cheaply available renewables offers a strong business case.

Two German companies will develop one of the largest off-grid PV and storage projects to date. The low cost of the technology and expense of conventional generators is likely to see the hybrid plant recover its costs in three to seven years.

The building-sized trucks run on diesel and prompt logistical complications as large amounts of diesel must be shipped to remote mining sites. Attempts to decarbonize the mining sector will have to consider the heavy-duty vehicles.