THEnergy/SolarPower Europe briefing: Mining presents multi-billion Euro market potential for solar and storage solutions

A SolarPower Europe and THEnergy briefing identifies the key opportunities for solar companies to tap the potential of the mining sector for solar deployment

Ahead of the Energy and Mines conference in London on 28 January 2016, SolarPower Europe and THEnergy have teamed up to explore the opportunity of solar and mines for our sector. In a new briefing paper Dr Thomas Hillig and Dr James Watson examine the opportunity for solar companies in the mining sector. “Solar, storage and mining: New opportunities for solar power development” explores the growth of solar solutions in the mining sector and provides some outline advice for solar companies interested in engaging with the mining sector.

Solar is already used by grid connected and off-grid mines, and the phenomenon is growing. Mines are often very remote and have to deal with challenges regarding electricity price and reliability. In many locations, solar power is competitive with conventional energy for grid-connected applications, while solar power can cut costs for isolated mines. Several projects also show how energy storage solutions support solar penetration in combined solar-diesel-hybrid projects.

The growth of solar for mines provides new opportunities for the European solar sector, both in Europe and further afield. The briefing observes that industry specific marketing and an aligned solar industry approach are likely to increase the rate of penetration of solar into the mining sector.