Hybrid power plant to provide energy for Mount Weld.
Mining provides the raw materials needed for the energy transition. For example, lithium for batteries or rare earths for magnets used in wind turbines. To ensure that the extraction of these resources does not destroy the positive balance of the end product, solutions are needed in the industry to become more sustainable. In addition to the impact on nature, the machines used in mining also cause extensive emissions. Switching from diesel-powered vehicles to battery-powered ones is one way to significantly reduce emissions of climate-damaging gases, while another is to convert a mine’s power supply to renewable energies. Australia’s rare earth specialist Lynas recently announced this for Mount Weld. The currently most important deposit for rare earths in Australia will be equipped with a hybrid power plant with a capacity of 65 megawatts. According to the company, four wind turbines, a solar plant, a battery storage system, and a gas-fired power plant will be combined for this purpose (PDF). Compared to a diesel power plant of the same size, this could save 60,000 tons of CO2 equivalent* per year. The integration of wind energy ultimately brings Lynas full circle, as CEO Amanda Lacaze puts it: “Lynas produces materials used in the manufacture of 21st Century technologies and we look forward to working with Zenith Energy as it delivers a 21st Century power solution for Mt Weld.“
*Since various greenhouse gases exist, the unit of measurement CO2 equivalent was created. It expresses the climate impact of these gases compared to that of carbon dioxide.
Photo: iStock/Thinnapob