Mining Site Case Study

Mining Industry, Santiago, Chile

Problem

Our prospective client is in the copper mining industry in Chile, where they pay twice as much for their electricity than counterparts in neighboring countries. Electricity consumption in such industry is projected to double by 2025 in Chile and there is an urgency to ramp up their power capacity to meet future demand.

Solar energy has long been touted to become a major source of clean and secure energy in Chile. Considering major hydroelectric and natural gas exchange projects have been shelved recently, Chilean industries can look at renewable integration to meet their power.

Solution

In this mining site case study, a solar PV system integrated with a Battery Energy Storage System allows for solar power utilization at highest efficiency. The system can be tied with the grid or could be islanded to meet the daily power requirements and for demand side management during peak hours.

Cost Saving Benefits

The cost of system considered here is US$290,000. The local electricity rate is US$0.15/kWh. The average annual solar generation in Santiago is 1928 kWh/kW. The yearly consumption saving would be US$28,916. With a demand reduction of US$4,000, the total saving would be US$32,916.

Initial Cost	Annual Usage	Annual Revenue	Payback
US$290,000	1928 kWh	US$32,916	8.8 years

About The System

The system comprises of a 250 kWh BESS charged by a 100kW solar PV arrayand the grid. This setup will be able to support power demands of some industrial operations during peak periods using the energy stored. Since the BESS is charged during off- peak period with either solar PV or the grid, significant amount of bill savings can be made.