HEAR DIRECTLY FROM DAVE MANNING

JUWI recently commissioned the world’s largest solar hybrid project at Centamin's Sukari Gold Mine, can you tell us more about this remarkable project?

JUWI has installed a 36 MW solar farm and 7.5 MW battery–energy storage system, integrated into the minesite using the JUWI Hybrid IQ Microgrid Control system. The PV array generates 36 MW DC and 30 MW AC at the switchboard.  The facility is forecast to reduce fuel consumption by 70,000 litres per day averaging a reduction in diesel consumption of 22 million litres per year.

The electricity generated from the plant will offset 60,000t of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) a year.

Can you elaborate on the technical aspects of the project, such as the type of solar panels used, the installation process, and any innovative features incorporated?

The solar system designed by JUWI has maximised the generation with bifacial solar photovoltaic modules and a single axis tracking system, taking advantage of the high irradiance on site. JUWI Hybrid IQ micro-grid technology enables the integration of the solar and battery system into the existing off-grid network and supports the operation of the existing power station.

The facility utilizes Suntech 445W Bifacial Monocrystalline Silicon PV modules that are mounted to Nextracker single axis trackers. The trackers follow the sun from dawn to dusk, and utilize backtracking technology to optimize the sun’s irradiation in the early morning and late afternoon. PV output is fed into Sungrow 1,500V 6.25 MW PV inverters.

3 x SAFT SC 2750 (2750kW/2750MWh) Lithium Ion Batteries provide grid stability and dynamic spinning reserve.

What advice or recommendations would you give to other mining companies looking to incorporate renewable energy into their operations?

Engage early and understand your requirements. Work with an EPC provider that understands mining operations, and the critical requirements for >99% reliability. Integration of the PV facility into the mine sites infrastructure is the most important component. Managing the intermittency of solar and wind generation is complex, however companies like JUWI have spent many years building systems like the Hybrid IQ platform to not only manage the energy production, but also optimize the outputs.

Future proofing the control systems is also becoming very important. As we move towards electrified fleet vehicles, variable mining operations, and energy efficient solutions, it’s even more critical to install a system that can adapt and flex as technology in mining improves.

You are joining us in Cairo at the Egypt Mining Forum as a panelist. Can you tell us, what are you most looking forward to discussing during your panel?

I’m excited to participate in the Egypt Mining Forum and I look forward to engaging with mining companies on how they feel they can best capitalise on the low cost, low carbon Renewable Energy Solutions that are available today. We are very keen to see what can be done with electrified underground fleets, variable speed vent shaft fans, and how we can manage the comminution circuit to make best use of the low-cost energy available from PV and Wind.

Register to attend: www.egyptminingforum.com/delreg

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