Jointly implemented with Suntrace GmbH and BayWa r.e., the 30 MW solar plant and 15.4 MWh battery storage together constitute the world’s largest such hybrid system for the mining industry. (Mining Global)

During the daytime, the solar plant generates enough energy to allow for the shutdown of three out of the mine’s six heavy fuel oil (HFO) generators. To ensure reliable and continuous energy supply, the battery storage compensates for fluctuation in generation. Up to 75% of the mine’s electricity demand is therefore covered by renewable energy during daylight hours.

The hybrid system has been commissioned and integrated successfully with the mine’s existing power supply infrastructure.

Dennis Stansbury, Senior Vice President at B2Gold said the solar-hybrid system was both economically viable and positive for the environment.

It will save 13.1 million liters of HFO and cut CO2 emissions by 39,000 tonnes annually.

“Integrating such a large amount of solar into a small, isolated grid safely and reliably has been a major technical challenge and required the use of battery storage as well as a tailor-made control system,” said Thorsten Althaus, Project Manager at BayWa r.e. “It is extremely rewarding to see how well this solution performs in reality.”