Australia’s remote mining operations are emerging as the proving ground for high-renewable energy systems with operational data showing several off-grid industrial sites are now consistently operating at renewable energy penetration rates above 80%.
Australian remote and off-grid power specialist Zenith Energy said its hybrid power plants are now consistently achieving renewable energy penetration rates above 80% at mine sites, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and putting to rest any concerns that high-renewable energy systems cannot reliably support energy-intensive industrial operations.
Perth-based Zenith said mining companies are increasingly investing in renewables-based hybrid energy systems as they seek to reduce exposure to diesel costs and logistics, improve energy security and support emissions reduction targets.
Zenith Chief Executive Officer Hamish Moffat said the hybrid power systems are now operating well beyond the pilot stage and achieving levels of renewable integration that exceed many grid-connected industrial operations while maintaining reliable supply in some of the country’s most demanding operating environments.
“These are not demonstration projects or research programs. They are critical industrial operations that require reliable power around the clock,” he said.
