Friday 22 May 2020

Hybrid renewable plant meets 70% of Australian gold mine’s power demand

Energy producer EDL has completed a 56MW hybrid renewable-powered plant for Gold Fields’ Agnew Gold Mine in Western Australia.

The project comprises an 18MW wind farm, a 4MW photovoltaic array, a 13MW battery system and a 21MW gas/diesel engine power plant, which are all controlled by the 'Australia's largest hybrid microgrid'.

In favourable weather conditions, the project has delivered up to 70% of Agnew’s power requirements with renewable energy.

EDL Chief Executive Officer James Harman, said: “We applaud Gold Fields for their vision in embarking on this journey with us, and their role in leading the Australian mining industry’s transition to clean, reliable renewable energy."

Gold Fields Executive Vice President Australasia, Stuart Mathews, commented: "For our people and our stakeholders, this is a very clear demonstration of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint whilst strengthening our security of supply."