A vast project needed a vast solution, and we relished the opportunity to work with Resolute to deliver a bespoke cutting edge technical and commercial solution as part of a 16-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Technical offering
Delivered in two stages, it considered the various project factors with a meticulous level of detail to ensure smooth delivery and zero disruption to the mine’s production activity. Stage one was completed in 2021 and consisted of three 10 MW thermal Wärtsilä Modular Block’s and a 10 MW battery storage system, that provides spinning reserve displacement and outbalance sudden jumps in load.
The second stage will consist of the installation of an additional 10 MW Wärtsilä Modular Block and the addition of 20 MW solar PV power.
There can be some hesitancy to implement solar as mine’s have short planning horizon’s and the usual lifespan of a PV park is about 20 years - if not sometimes longer than the operation of a mine itself. This is why the offering Aggreko provides perfectly matches a mine’s needs.
The initial site infrastructure layout includes space to accommodate a fifth 10 MW Wärtsilä Modular Block, enabling the mine to add additional power capacity if needed in the future to support growth or expansion plans.
Once the solar power system is installed, the 10 MW battery storage system will also manage the output of the solar power system, smoothing out fluctuations in PV generation and facilitating integration into the hybrid system.
Commercial Offering
Our pricing was structured with a combination of fixed and variable charges depending on electricity required, and evolving MW installed. It also includes an incentive programme where Aggreko shares between 25% to 50% of the resulting fuel savings if improved efficiencies for key performances indicators in the contract are achieved. This provides us with an incentive to further reduce the cost of power for Resolute, and we share that cost benefit directly with our customer.
During the project engineering phase, we forged a true partnership with Resolute to ensure we use the best site infrastructure, and optimise the civil work and installation of the plant. As an example, the solar array will be constructed on the surface of the existing Syama Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) thereby maximising positive environmental outcomes and augmenting Resolute’s rehabilitation program.