Modern Mining February 2024

security plus efficiency for mines

wind turbine technology. Strategies to source energy from wind power projects are usually associated with wheeling arrangements, as the windy locations where wind farms are viable are seldom close to mines. “We can already see instances in the market today where mines purchase renewable energy from independent power producers, benefiting from the cost per kilowatt hour and the carbon credits derived from that source,” he says. He emphasises that the variability of renewable energy – with sunshine and wind not being constant – makes it vital that every mine develops a solution that suits its specific needs and conditions. Battery storage is also being considered as this technology evolves.

WEG medium voltage variable speed drives operating in a mine.

“There is also a significant drive towards renew able energy, as mining companies work to reduce their carbon footprint in line with global sustainabil ity targets,” he says. “Mines are making more use of solar energy and battery storage technologies to reduce their dependence on national utilities.” There is even strong interest in wind energy, a space in which WEG Africa participates through its

WEG substation distributing power.

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