The 12 MW solar plant which was switched on yesterday will be able to meet Blanket’s minimum electricity demand during daylight hours.
21% of Caledonia’s Blanket Mine’s on-mine costs are attributed to the mine’s energy usage. The mine’s total diesel consumption increased by 76% from 2019 to 2020 and by 55% from 2020 to 2021. This increase in the usage of diesel was due to frequent power outages and unstable supplies from ZESA, the national electricity utility company, which led to increased use of diesel-generated electricity. The Blanket Mine has installed 18 MVA of standby diesel generators.
Caledonia says during outages or periods of low voltages, the power supply at Blanket has to be supplemented by standby diesel generators to enable uninterrupted mining and capital operations. Diesel-generated electricity is expensive, subject to an unpredictable supply of diesel and creates an unfavorable environmental footprint.
Recognizing these economic, environmental and logistical challenges of running large-scale diesel generators for extended periods, Caledonia started constructing the 12.2 MWac solar plant late in 2021. The 12 MW plant which was switched on yesterday will be able to meet Blanket’s minimum electricity demand during daylight hours. The plant will also cater to about 27% of Blanket’s total electricity requirement during an average 24-hour period.
In a bid to reduce emissions and production costs even further, Blanket has already started the evaluation of the next phase of the solar project provide. The proposed expansion will able to meet Blanket’s peak demand during daylight hours. Blanket says that this will require an agreement between the company and Zimbabwe authorities regarding the treatment of the surplus power that will be generated by the larger plant. They are also looking into the feasibility of adding battery storage.
It’s really good to see more large energy consumers in Zimbabwe and the region going solar, especially in the mining sector. Across the border in South Africa, The SOLA Group and African Rainbow Energy recently reached financial close on
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Panama sets December 14 deadline for First Quantum to ink mine contractAuthorities have outlined that path forward for the execution of a contract that will allow First Quantum to keep running Cobre Panama.
Read more »
A proposed lithium mine presents a climate versus environment conflictThe U.S. wants to mine lithium for EVs to meet climate goals. But there's a trade-off, as residents near one proposed open-pit mine have learned: demolished homes, dug-up fields and disrupted streams.
Read more »
Mine Tales: Volcanoes, magma shaped diverse Arizona mineralsHere's how they played an important role in the geologic history of Arizona.
Read more »
Protestors invade Hochschild’s largest mine in PeruResidents of the Huancute Annex have invaded the Inmaculada mine and have built picket lines with women and cattle to avoid being forcefully removed by police.
Read more »
0VIX Launches Pre-mine, Introducing Unique Risk Management Feature | HackerNoonThis story contains new, firsthand information uncovered by the writer.
Read more »