Global distributed energy producer EDL is delivering an innovative hybrid renewable energy solution for Gold Fields’ Agnew Gold Mine in Western Australia’s goldfields region.
In an Australian first, the project will utilise wind generation as part of a large hybrid microgrid in the mining sector.
EDL CEO James Harman said the project represents a major step in Australia’s journey to sustainable energy.
“We have leveraged learnings from demonstrated success in other hybrid renewable projects, which will enable us to provide Agnew Gold Mine with greater than 50 per cent renewable energy over the long term, without compromising power quality or reliability.”
EDL is delivering the project under a 10-year agreement with Gold Fields in two stages.
Stage 1 is a new off-grid 23MW power station incorporating 16MW gas and 3MW diesel generation and 4MW photovoltaic solar, which is on track for completion in mid-2019.
Stage 2 includes 18MW wind generation, a 13MW battery and an advanced micro-grid control system, with construction recently started and due for completion in 2020.