14: IGO Limited

14

IGO Limited

Zenith Energy, an independent power producer, is trialing a 100% renewable energy operation at the Nova nickel/ copper/cobalt mine owned by IGO. During the trial, of duration up to nine hours a day, the Nova mine will operate in an “engines-off” mode, and solely on renewable power, during summer and spring.

The site is currently powered through a combination of solar and diesel engine generation. By adding an additional 10 MW of solar panels, and a 10 MWh Battery Energy Storage System, the system expansion will allow for 100 percent renewable power generation during daylight hours, weather conditions permitting.

“While the Nova site will continue to rely on diesel generated power overnight and during inclement weather conditions, this project is a key next step on the journey to 100% renewable power generation 24 hours a day,” writes Dominic Da Cruz, Zenith’s executive manager for growth.

The trial, an industry-first, is expected to demonstrate that: ‘Engine Off’ is achievable

An integrated Battery Energy Storage System is a key component for achieving ‘engine off’

Relocatable renewables are viable (Nova will be “the first practical demonstration at scale of relocatable renewable energy”)

100% renewable energy penetration can be sustainably achieved and replicated

IGO COO Matt Dusci said the company was now at a point where technology and cost structure are enabling powering of an entire mining operation with 100% renewable penetration.