On Tuesday, multinational industrial giant Schneider Electric and Finnish marine and energy technology firm Wärtsilä announced that they have developed the world’s first sustainable modular energy solution fit for use in remote lithium mines. The power solution will be marketed to global mining operators, and will include bespoke power supply consulting and design, power infrastructure build, equipment delivery, installation, digital microgrids operation, and commissioning.
The technology, which is part of a 20 year collaboration between Schneider Electric and Wärtsilä over 200 projects, combines microgrid architecture with thermal power generation and energy sources to provide cost-effective power at minimal environmental footprint for the mining industry.
The partners say that, based on similar projects, their solution could yield an average overall capex reduction of 27 percent, a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 20 percent or 18,500 tons per year per mine, and a reduction in energy costs of 40 percent compared to local off-grid diesel-generated power.
According to Schneider Electric and Wärtsilä, mining power systems (which may represent less than 5 percent of a project’s total capex, despite the energy source being integral to the success of the entire operation) have typically been designed by engineering companies or mining sector end-users based on industrial processes and previous project experience, without being optimized for cost and footprint.
“The benefits go well beyond lithium mining,” said Vivek Kapoor, Vice President & Regional Segment Leader, Mining, Minerals and Metals Segment at Schneider Electric. “To create a net-zero future, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage must become more affordable and accessible. This solution will enable mining operators to reduce the environmental impact of their sites and reduce the cost of production. It has the potential to power the next generation of technology and ultimately act as the foundation of a net-zero society.
“Global minerals, metals and mining operators need to decarbonize their operations at speed and to move towards becoming 100 per cent renewable. This solution provides the answers to these challenges, bringing transparency and efficiency to previously opaque operations,” he added.
“The increasing global demand for lithium needed for battery storage applications is putting pressure on mining operations to be as efficient and cost-effective as possible,” said Jean Nabb, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Wärtsilä Energy. “The power supply is a fundamental element of resiliency and reliability. Together with Schneider we have designed a solution that harnesses the strengths and experience of our two companies. It will not only guarantee a reliable energy supply but will also do so with economic and environmental benefits owing to the increased efficiency of the mining operations.”
This solution works for new mines that are currently under design, as well as mining project conversions. In particular, the companies say, Argentina–home to the world’s third-largest proven lithium reserves–has the most promising lithium mining potential over the next five years as sustainable uninterrupted power becomes available.
