Tag Archives: alternate power

Uncategorized

Independent Power Producers – Can They Really Boost Your Profitability?

Sites eager to boost their mining power and power generation reliability may benefit from contracting an independent power producer.

Although short-term power solutions have their advantages, independent power producers are effective in combating power outages and other power-related problems.

In Africa, mining is one of the largest energy consumers. Combined with fluctuating fuel prices and varying power demands, obtaining reliable power solutions for remote sites can be challenging.

By choosing the right Independent Power Producer (IPP), you can boost your site’s profitability through flexible power options that are underpinned by greater reliability. IPPs are non-utility generators that are co-located at individual mine site operation – an “in-house” dedicated electricity supplier, if you like. They’re renowned for providing significant compliance with power production requirements and an ability to provide continuous power supply on a 24/7 basis all year round.

If you’re looking to boost profitability and power reliability, here’s why you should consider an IPP.

Increase Efficiency and Minimise Downtime

It can be cost-inefficient to take on the operation of your own power plant, something that is rarely within the core skill set of mining personnel. Instead, IPPs have a sole focus and responsibility to stable, energy-efficient power geared for long-term results.

Improved fuel efficiency can be achieved to positively impact on profitability. Typically, the mining operation will supply fuel to the IPP, who is tasked and measured by agreed fuel efficiency targets. Financial penalties apply to IPPs that don’t meet the fuel efficiency targets (effectively reimbursing the customer for the cost of extra fuel consumed above the agreed target rate). Some contracts may also specify a shared fuel savings model, which can increase profitability further by sharing in fuel savings achieved above an agreed target.

Fuel consumption efficiency is a critical measure but must be achieved without sacrificing reliability and financial penalties also apply under the IPP model if power outages occur.

These penalties and savings mechanisms provide great assurance to the mining customer that they will have reliable, cost efficient power supply for their operation.

IPPs are also now combining thermal baseload power with renewable innovations, such as solar hybrid technology, which contribute to further savings and lower emissions.

IPPs help keep mining operations profitable through renewable resources, long term performance and cutting edge technology to meet varying power demands for individual sites.

Lower Implementation and Infrastructure Costs

For mining sites who want to be more flexible with funding and achieve a lower risk profile, contracting an IPP can help reduce capital and operating expenses.

Building, running and maintaining your own power plant comes with high capital outlays and ongoing operating expenses in parts, consumables, oil and labour. However, IPPs relieve these financial pressures by combining them into one guaranteed electricity supply rate, leaving you with more financial leverage.

For your power system to be fully flexible and cost-effective, it must be specifically designed to meet the requirements of your mine site. A reputable IPP will work with you to meet these objectives and increase your site power output and capacity.

Improve Sustainability

Because IPPs offer less fuel consumption for both diesel and gas gensets, power density is increased and fewer carbons are emitted, ultimately boosting sustainability.

The use of renewable resources also contributes to sustainable power generation practices for remote mine sites.

Sustainable long-term alternatives for power generation offer more efficient solutions, reduce costs and help to conserve the local environment. Solar, hybrid, wind and water power minimise energy costs, as well as position your site as green-friendly.

Manage Safety

Along with fuel and energy costs, safety is one of the most critical considerations for mining sites.

To minimise your site’s risk profile, IPPs handle the entire safety concerns and risk management relating to mine site power supply.

IPPs can offer valuable long-term power solutions. But before mine sites invest in contracting an IPP, it’s important to consider other factors such as market demand, contract procurement and revenue security.

Author Bio

This article is written by a local content writer, Jayde Ferguson. Catch her on LinkedIn.

 

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WHAT’S BLOWING IN THE WIND?

In many sections of the United States, you have probably seen these tall, windmill-looking structures on the landscape. They look very peaceful, gracefully creating a new type of power to help energize our country.

Wind turbines have been used in Europe for a number of years, and in the past several years have become popular in the U.S.  Mechanical power from windmills is used to pump water, energy for grinding, etc.

Working opposite of a fan, which makes wind, turbines use wind to make electricity.  The huge blades spin a shaft inside, which connects to a generator and makes electricity.  A large group of these turbines contribute energy to the utility grid of power companies, and in turn, are distributed to homes, schools, and businesses.

  1. For persons who are contemplating using this type of energy, there are many things to be considered. The cost of interconnecting with the electric company, insurance in case the turbine causes damage or problems to utility systems, and liability insurance for damage to nearby properties.
  2. One of the hazards of the turbines are icing of blades, which could result in shedding of ice.Severe weather might cause problems.
  3. Blade throws are another hazard mentioned; however, these wind turbines are state-of-the-art and very safe. Equipped with sensors, blade throws are virtually non-existent.  The turbines have controllers that start the turbine when the wind is 8 to 16 MPH, and stop it if the wind reaches 55 MPH, due to risk of damage.
  4. Lastly, studies have been done by several medical experts that in certain cases, there is a correlation between persons who have been exposed for long periods of time to low frequency noise and vibration and living too close to a wind farm, that have experienced health problems.

Because every contractor is concerned with safe operations, the wind energy industry poses unique safety concerns.  The size of the propellers and remote location of the wind farms are two issues.  There has been a lack of a cohesive industrial study for wind project safety; however, a process has recently begun by an ANSI A10 subcommittee made up of wind industry experts and safety professionals.  As with any industry, training and planning are key elements to successful safety programs.

Issues being considered are:

  • On-Site Rescue: because of their remote locations, emergency personnel are not close by or may not be equipped with tools necessary to rescue persons from high structures.  Personnel of the contractor must be trained and able to reach injured workers, getting them to the ground and ready for local EMS to take over.
  • Weather Planning: Because some of the farms are located where harsh conditions exist, such as high winds, dust, ice, rain, the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be used, and workers must be trained to recognize when weather circumstances exceed safe working conditions.
  • Multiple Contractors: Several specialty contractors are involved in building wind farms, and all have to work in close proximity with each other.  Each contractor should know what hazards are present in the project, and communicate this information with all other contractors.  Communication is necessary to have successful safety performances.

It will be fascinating to see how many more of these wind farms will be built.  It’s a great plan to help with the demand for energy that is needed to keep our country going.