Renewable energy and mining

Many mines are located in remote sites that are not grid-connected. Electricity is often produced by diesel gensets. Driven by high fuel-transporation costs, the price for electricity generation is normally high. Renewable energy is an optimal add-on to diesel-gensets and can generated considerable fuel- and total electricity cost-savings. The objective of this platform is to communicate how mining companies are already applying renewable energy (Solar & Wind project database) and to give some background information about the topic. Regularly, reports and white papers are published for further insights.

There is quite a number of factors on both sides that have lead in the last years to a better fit of renewable energy and the mining industry. Many experts expect a boom of renewable energy applications at remote mines in the near future (see section developments).

Overview: platform Renewables & Mining
Overview: platform Renewables & Mining

Mining companies can get involved to different degrees into renewable energies. They can invest or co-invest into wind or solar power plants. There are several providers who offer leasing contracts for solar power plants. Finally, mines can buy electricity through PPAs from renewable plants.

The plant database contains power plants with the following technologies:

  • Solar power plants
    • PV
    • CPV
    • CSP
    • solar thermal
  • Wind power plants

 

There are different applications:

  • wind- or solar-diesel-hybrid-power plants (diesel reduction)
  • renewable energy power plants with PPAs from nearby mines
  • renewable energy plants at grid-connected mines
  • Plants that deliver process heat (solar thermal)
  • Renewable enery plants on reclaimed mine sites

At this stage neither biomass (or biogas) nor hydro power plants are included. In addition, cases in which a mining company invests into renewable energy plants and does not consume the energy are not included either.

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Wed

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Feb

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Dr. Thomas Hillig Takes the Stage: Keynote Speaker Extraordinaire

Our Managing Director, Dr. Thomas Hillig, embraces a select number of opportunities to deliver keynote speeches and moderate discussions at industry and corporate events. With a proven track record in captivating audiences and skillfully engaging speakers, Dr. Hillig ensures each event is informative and entertaining.

His approachable demeanor fosters an environment where speakers feel comfortable sharing valuable insights, allowing audiences to gain maximum benefit from their expertise. 

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Top 5 Hydrogen News – August 2020 by THEnergy

The August edition of our “Top 5 Hydrogen News” is about hydrogen generation projects and applications for steel making, public transportation as well as fueling station and refinery applications. It features SSAB, LKAB, Vattenfall, EDF, Holcim, OGE, Ørsted, Raffinerie Heide, Stadtwerke Heide, Thüga, thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions, Cummins, Douglas County Public Utility District, Hydrogenics, Siemens Energy, Beijing Green Hydrogen Technology Development Co., Regionalverkehr Köln, Linde, Framatome, AREVA, and Van Hool.

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