solution to provide and maintain microgrid stability. The project combines a 30 MW solar PV plant, a 17.3 MW / 15.4 MW energy storage facility and GEMS, Wärtsilä’s advanced energy management system, with the mine’s existing 64 MW power generator to improve power reliability, reduce heavy fuel consumption, save costs and reduce CO2 emissions. GEMS is a ground-breaking tool, using smart algorithms to dispatch energy storage and multiple generation assets (thermal and renewable) with the right reserve level to maintain high grid reliability for the mine. Gensets are switched off as solar output increases and are restarted based on forecasted data including load demand and weather. The sophistication of GEMS enables energy production optimization to ensure the lowest LCOE. In addition to ensuring microgrid stability, the project is expected to generate longterm annual savings of 13.1 million litres of heavy fuel oil and reduce the mine’s carbon footprint by approximately 39,000 tons per year. This hybrid storage project is the first of its kind in Mali and in the mining sector, demonstrating the growing case for clean energy and its sustainable and economic potential for mines in Africa and elsewhere. Increasing energy reliability and lowering operating costs are essential for the mining sector. The optimal solution to solve the power challenges must allow for fast starting with high off-grid availability, high fuel efficiency, fast load following and partload efficiency to allow high penetration of renewables. The answer lies in a combination of advanced flexible energy generation strategies and the smart use of renewables to guarantee the delivery of efficient and reliable power in remote off-grid locations. Advanced energy management systems are the key technological element required to support the huge inflows of power from intermittent sources. With an extensive portfolio of energy storage and flexible solutions for energy intensive operations, in Africa and the rest of the world, Wärtsilä, is the partner of choice to support the mining sector achieve its sustainability and cost saving goals.
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