Q&A with Resolute Mining COO David Kelly on the Syama Project

David Kelly: The development of a new hybrid power station is being completed in 2 stages. The first, the construction of a new modular HFO thermal generation and battery storage system is nearly complete, and commissioning is under way. By the time of the conference in May it will be up and running. The thermal generation is based on Wärtsilä 32 engines, which are being installed in partnership with Aggreko and Wärtsilä, using new Modular Block technology and design. The Wärtsilä modular units utilise ISO containers to construct a modular powerhouse. The new Modular Block units will be fuelled using a refined heavy fuel oil (IFO 180) and also have the capability to run on diesel. Replacing existing diesel thermal generation at Syama with modern intermediate fuel oil thermal generation is expected to increase efficiency by approximately 30% and reduce overall power costs by approximately 40%. Each modular unit contains a single Wärtsilä W20V32 HFO Generator and has an at-generatorterminals output of approximately 10 MW. The new facility will initially provide 30 MW of power and will incorporate an additional 10 MW Y-cube battery storage system.

DK: Stage 2 will include a 20 MW solar array which 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. The solar array will enable the 10 MW battery storage system to manage the solar power contribution to the overall Syama power system and smooth out fluctuations in solar power output to facilitate integration into the hybrid system. The timeline on commencement of the solar component will depend on the decommissioning of the existing TSF and is expected to be completed during 2023.

DK: Our assessment is that the market is increasingly well served by experienced operators, and that an integrated solar thermal solution such as the one implemented by Resolute can be secured from proven operators with extensive experience in remote locations. In the recent past this was not the case. Undoubtedly the key challenge or gap is to improve battery storage options to the point where a 24 hour per day/365 day per year power supply can be secured exclusively from renewable sources.