Replacing outdated generators with new technology

Gold Fields Australia replaced old diesel engines with Aggreko’s efficient gas generators, powered by Osprey technology, at the Granny Smith mine in Laverton. This upgrade significantly reduced CO2 emissions while lowering fuel costs.

THE CHALLENGE
Replace old diesel engines with new tech
THE SOLUTION
Reliable Osprey engines
THE IMPACT
Fuel costs and CO2 emissions much lower than before

Client:Gold Fields

Location: Laverton, Western Australia

Sectors:Mining

THE CHALLENGE

Replace old diesel engines with new tech

Gold Fields were looking to retire their bank of diesel generators at the Granny Smith gold mine in Laverton. We’d been trialling gas engines over the previous 18 months. A new gas extension was being built nearby. A need plus a new and better technology, plus an accessible fuel source? It was the perfect alignment of time and opportunity.

We proposed a 22 MV gas power station, with fuel drawn from the new gas extension, powered by our new gas-fired Osprey engines. Ultimately, this meant Gold Fields could make significant cost savings while reducing their carbon footprint at the same time.

24MWPower Generation

20ftContainers used

6yearscontract

7.4mOunces of gold produced

300,000Ounces of gold in 2015 alone

Gold FIelds - Granny Smith Power Station (AusPac) (4)

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THE SOLUTION

Gas generators with reliable Osprey engines

We had been trailing larger gas engines over the previous 18 months, and these were chosen in favour of the standard QSK60 gas generators. We proposed using modified high efficiency gas-fuelled Osprey engines in 20-foot containers, which meant we were able to offer savings in fuel costs. The smaller containers also create a smaller environmental footprint compared to competitors, who tend to provide equipment in 40 feet containers, which are more expensive to transport.

Aggreko has more efficient Ospreys than anywhere else in the world and incorporated further technology to improve reduction of gas pressure to offset the cooling down process. A heat recovery system replaces the electric heaters. We are taking the heat from the Osprey jackets and using it to heat the gas. This represents a large cost saving for Gold Fields.

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“When the opportunity arose to tee gas off from the pipeline, Aggreko provided the most competitive solution combined with some innovative technical approaches which improved efficiency, saved costs and led to cleaner working practices.”

Executive Vice President , Gold Fields, Australia , Richard Weston

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THE IMPACT

Fuel costs and CO2 emissions much lower than before

The project was initially constrained by the high pressure of the gas, which was at 90 Bars. Our ability to build a high pressure reduction facility meant we could reduce the construction time and get the new power plant commissioned quickly, thereby reducing operational costs.

The new power station will also reduce the mine’s carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 80,000 tonnes over six years and enable Gold Fields to trade carbon credits with the Australian Government’s Emission Reduction Fund.

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Gold FIelds - Granny Smith Power Station (AusPac) (8)

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Replacing outdated generators with new technology

Replacing old engines with new technology

Replace old diesel engines with new tech

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Gas generators with reliable Osprey engines

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Fuel costs and CO2 emissions much lower than before

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Want to know more about evolution of Granny Smith Mine’s power system?

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Gas generators with reliable Osprey engines

Fuel costs and CO2 emissions much lower than before

Want to know more about evolution of Granny Smith Mine’s power system?

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