Cashing in on renewable energy

Often referred to in the past as "the more expensive alternative" -- a term guaranteed to elicit a certain level of concern from most industry CEOs -- renewable energy (RE) is now shining more brightly as a viable option for powering mining operations in appropriate locales. Energy quality...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Engineering and mining journal (1926) 2017-04, Vol.218 (4), p.32
Main Author: Carter, Russell A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alternative energy sources
Capital costs
Carbon
Cost control
Diesel fuels
Distributed generation
Economic aspects
Electric utilities
Electricity
Emission standards
Emissions
Energy industries
Energy resources
Environmental impact
Flywheels
Forecasts and trends
Fossil fuels
Gold
Industry forecasts
Mines
Mining industry
Nonprofit organizations
Power plants
Prices
Renewable energy
Renewable resources
Solar energy
Trends
Wind power
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Summary:Often referred to in the past as "the more expensive alternative" -- a term guaranteed to elicit a certain level of concern from most industry CEOs -- renewable energy (RE) is now shining more brightly as a viable option for powering mining operations in appropriate locales. Energy quality and security are not problems for every mine, particularly mature operations surrounded by ample infrastructure and served by established utilities. However, even mines located in those favorable environments can encounter difficulties, as illustrated by the South African mining industry's ongoing troubles with adequate supply from the country's largest electricity producer. New mines in off-the-grid areas are often restricted to a single choice for power supply: diesel-fueled generating plants, which bring with them inherent problems of fuel transport and supply, fluctuating costs and environmental impact. So, like the flywheel concept designed into the latest RE-fueled microgrids, power from renewable sources is gaining momentum.
ISSN:0095-8948