Can solar power be used at mining sites in Australia?

Here's how. If there’s one thing Australia has an abundance of, it’s sunshine. Increasingly, Australian mining companies are harnessing the power of solar energy for use at mining sites across the country. It’s a growing trend, with the benefits of reliability and efficiency hard to overlook.

Are Australian mining companies harnessing the power of solar energy?

Australian mining companies are increasingly harnessing the power of solar energy on site. Here's how. If there’s one thing Australia has an abundance of, it’s sunshine. Increasingly, Australian mining companies are harnessing the power of solar energy for use at mining sites across the country.

Could solar power power Australia's richest mining region?

A solar farm with the power to service 90,000 homes has switched on in outback Queensland — powering one of the richest mining regions in the world. Experts say green energy will be key to Australia's role in filling global shortages of metals and minerals.

Can solar power power off-grid mines?

Commissioned in June 2016, solar power provides the majority of the mine’s daytime electricity requirements, offsetting up to 20% of total diesel consumption annually. The project aims to increase knowledge and confidence in the use of renewable energy to power off-grid mine sites.

Will Australia's first gold mine be powered by a microgrid?

A Western Australian gold mine will be the first Australian mine to be powered by a wind, solar, battery and gas microgrid. The Agnew Renewable Hybrid Microgrid demonstrated that a remote mining operation can be powered by high penetration renewable energy and that wind power is a mature and reliable technology for use at mines.

Are solar farms a viable option for miners?

As the cost of renewable energy, most notably solar power, has fallen, the technology has become a more viable option for miners – especially in Australia, where the vast landscape and hot climate are ideal for large solar farms.