Mining sector paves the way to clean energy technology

Miners asking for big, bold ideas to supply renewable energy are paving the way for other industries across the world. Miners are constantly looking for innovative power solutions to help achieve their emission targets.

 “Where there once may have been a reluctance to embrace new technology, miners are now needing it – asking us for bold ideas,” Rod Saffy, global head of mining at Aggreko, said. “As a result, most of our new technology is finding its way into the mining space before it is finding its way into other sectors … such as oil and gas, data centres, and major events. The mining industry has become very innovative.”

The next few years alone are expected to result in a massive transformation of the mining sector as miners incorporated renewables to their energy mix.

“Our hybrid projects, such as the Granny Smith project, are quite ahead of the curve and undoubtedly will be transported to the rest of the mining industry and to the rest of the world as well,” Lars Stephan, who heads strategy and markets at Aggreko’s renewable division, said.

As the world’s leading mobile and modular provider for power generation, Aggreko has multiple teams dedicated specifically to bringing new and innovative technology to customers, with the terms innovation and technology being at the heart of the company’s values and strategic direction.

In mining specifically, Aggreko is now trialling state-of-the-art mobile and containerized photo-voltaic solutions, after securing four major solar contracts to power mines throughout their lifecycle. Such units provide flexible solar power to mines and rural communities for a short contract duration – less than five years or sometimes months. This has the potential to put more renewable power in locations that previously seemed out of reach.

Aggreko is one of the only power companies of its kind to align itself with the big miners, committed to reduce its carbon emissions and its use of diesel with customers by 50% by 2030  and achieving net zero across its fleet by 2050.

Aggreko expertise is available in Canada. Visit www.Aggreko.com.