When considering power infrastructure for a mine site, there are three options available to mine operators: rent temporary power solutions, build their own power supply station or contract an independent power producer (IPP).

While short-term power solutions have their benefits, independent power producers offer the best of both worlds by providing mine sites with stable, energy-efficient power which is geared for long-term results. This can improve sustainability for businesses and communities while enabling the use of renewable energy innovations.

Independent power producers can improve the sustainability of a mine site in a number of ways:

Renewable Energy Innovations

Renewable energy is an innovative benefit of engaging an independent power producer. Not only can IPPs utilise renewable energy to boost their normal power production, but these methods can also improve cost-efficiency and reduce emissions and waste.

Renewable innovations such as waste heat recapture and solar/diesel hybrid technology are what set IPPs apart and can make a large difference in reducing the cost of maintenance and downtime. IPPs which have made the investment into renewable energy will be able to both reduce costs and help to conserve the local environment.

Lower Implementation Costs

Constructing, running and maintaining your own power station can require a vast outlay of initial capital and, depending on the specifications of a site, can even be cost-prohibitive in the long term.

Contracting an IPP avoids the temporal and financial pressures process of power station construction and ownership, saving valuable capital which can be invested into further energy efficiency measures such as renewable energy. The lower initial capital investment of an IPP means that a mining company can be more flexible with their funding, taking advantage of short-term opportunities and lowering their financial risk profile.

Manage Safety

Independent power producers take on the costs and risks involved in the construction, operation and maintenance of their power stations, relieving the mining company of this responsibility. Additionally, the long-term nature of the partnership between a mine site and their IPP allows for a strong investment in service, performance and efficiency. Safety concerns are also handled by the IPP, negating risks to both the mine site and its power supply.

Other contractors can assist a mining company, but once their contract ends they may leave behind the result of poor work. IPPs have a vested interest in the success of their partners and will work to ensure an energy-efficient and sustainable partnership.

Enable Flexibility and Reduce Waste

A professional IPP will be able to handle different requirements with ease. Every mine site, location and operation will be different, and there is no one size fits all solution. The flexibility of an IPP allows it to optimise operations for power production and tailor its approach from the ground up, beginning as early as the planning and construction phase and lasting for the life of the partnership.

IPP’s can also assist with scaling your business’ potential. Scalability of power capacity is a key consideration for any mining project and can be affected by a range of circumstances. As dedicated professionals, independent power producers will be able to independently manage changing power needs in an optimised way which maintains operational efficiency and reduces waste.

With lower funding requirements and a strong commitment to mutual success, independent power producers can provide a more energy-efficient and sustainable solution for mine operations.

Authors Bio:

This article was written by Daniel Defendi from KPS Power in Perth. You can catch Daniel on Google+ to discuss this piece.