Implementation of renewable energy into the mining industry: A hybrid energy system

Abstract

An availability of technological solutions together with priorities to decarbonize the mining sector lead renewable energy (RE) to become an attractive energy source for the mining industry. Pilot projects were run in several countries. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on hybrid energy systems (HES) as an efficient technological solution towards integration of RE into the mining industry. A HES is proposed to reduce energy cost for off-grid mines, which have much higher energy related costs then on-grid mines. In addition, replacing a part of diesel consumption by RE will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and lead a mine towards sustainable operations. To take a decision in favor the integration of a HES into the mining industry globally, a technological feasibility of these systems is required. This work aims to provide a detailed analysis of a HES and a comparison of different technological solutions for powering a mine. The main results of this paper are a comparative analysis of a HES, microgrids, stand-alone systems as a technological solution to power the mining industry. Moreover, to discuss benefits and challenges of a HES and input parameters which have to be optimized in order to ensure a secure energy consumption of a HES. This analysis of a HES can be generalized to all settings of mines, with specific practical implications especially for off-grid mines. This paper aims to attract attention of policy makers, decision makers, and experts on fossil fuel and RE technologies in order to give alternatives in powering the mining industry and can be applied worldwide.