| Work Detail |
A Mozambican mine has achieved full operation of its solar PV plus battery energy storage hybrid system.
The entire solar PV array of 20,832 solar modules with a surface area of around 5.4 hectares has been fully integrated into the battery system. It has operated and generated power to its intended design capacity and profile to support the achievement of full operation.
During operational testing over a ten-day period, integrated power supply from the solar and battery hybrid system and diesel genset was achieved with:
• ~33% of the total power draw supplied by the Solar and Battery Hybrid System;
• ~34% average savings in diesel consumed per kWh power generated, equating to ^16,000 litres of diesel savings per day, and an improvement shown in the stability and efficiency of the diesel gensets; and
• the Solar and Battery Hybrid System powering plant and site for 8 hours per day, on average, during daylight hours.
Solar battery hybrid system for decarbonisation
The solar plus battery storage system will contribute at least 35% of the Balama Graphite Operations average site power requirements. This will significantly reduce the mines diesel consumption and product carbon equivalent emissions.
Mine operator Syrah Resourcess lifecycle assessment estimates that the solar battery hybrid system will reduce the Global Warming Potential (GWP) or product carbon equivalent emissions from the mine and transport to Nacala port from 0.48kg to 0.42kg CO2 equivalent per 1kg of natural graphite. This is a 12.5% reduction.
The Solar and Battery Hybrid System is estimated to reduce Balamas GWP by 18kt C02 equivalent per annum, on average, over the life of the operation.
Syrah Resources Managing Director and CEO Shaun Verner said full operations of the Solar and Battery Hybrid System is the culmination of extensive feasibility study, equipment procurement, construction and commissioning activities completed over several years.
"The Solar and Battery System delivers significant net operating cost savings, reduces our exposure to volatile, high diesel costs and further strengthens the ESG credentials of Balamas natural graphite products. We look forward to continuing to work with Crossboundary Energy through the operating lease term," said Verner. |
