Modern Mining February 2025

ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Eduardo Werninghaus, CEO of WEG Africa.

To supplement main grid power, mines can draw on power generation sources such as renewables including wind.

Hybrid power solutions for sustainable, lowest cost energy supply Electricity reliability, lower operational costs and carbon emissions commitments have opened the door for hybrid power solutions that also meet mining companies’ decarbonisation goals. “T he aim of the hybrid approach is to achieve a reliable and continuous energy supply at the best electricity cost,” says Eduardo Werninghaus, CEO of WEG Africa. A hybrid power system which integrates two or

streamline projects. Werninghaus emphasises that each hybrid system is unique, as each solution needs to be designed to the mine`s requirements. Some critical design factors include the mine’s daily load profile, the tariff structure of the energy utility and the site-specific operational requirements. “By integrating various technologies such as PV, BESS, gas generators and grid power, for instance, mines can enhance performance and provide cheaper and cleaner power supply,” he says. “Importantly, a hybrid solution can also address peak power demand, and in this way mines can avoid exceeding their notified maximum demand (NMD).” With these systems, supported by the addition of battery technology, there is also more scope to reduce power costs by drawing less utility power during periods of peak demand – when tariffs are highest. Utilities’ peak demand is often at the beginning and end of each day, whereas solar energy collected in the middle of the day can be stored in batteries and drawn at peak times. “With rising energy costs locally and globally, mining companies are looking for more control over these costs, so

more energy sources can be controlled by a WEG dedicated energy management system to achieve improved power system efficiencies as well as lower carbon emissions. At the same time, says Werninghaus, the better availability and cost of energy allow managers more flexibility in optimising mining and processing operations. “To supplement main grid power, mines can draw on power generation sources such as renewables including solar, wind and hydro as well as traditional sources like diesel and gas,” he explains. “Adding to the flexibility and value is the growing availability of Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS).” WEG Africa is ideally placed to develop and execute hybrid power solutions as it has a wide range of technologies in-house – from wind and steam turbines, PV and battery storage systems to generator power plant solutions. Its range of key electrical equipment and accessories also creates a single point of customer contact, helping to mitigate risk and

22  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | February 2025