Energy transition strategy for the mining sector
Operators of an open pit mine were interested in developing a power supply strategy since current sources (public supplier and in-house systems) had reached their limits. The challenge was to perform a rigorous assessment of future power needs and select the right solutions to meet these needs because the company has set ambitious GHG emission reduction targets, including carbon neutrality by 2050.
- Region Multiple sites across Canada
- Client Iron mine
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Our experts’ solutions
BBA experts began by assessing existing power systems and future needs to establish short-, medium- and long-term strategies. Then, they performed an in-depth analysis of available technology based on several criteria, such as investment costs, operating costs, power availability, environmental impacts and the material and human resources that would be required. To do this, information was gathered from numerous resources.
BBA’s solutions leveraged local renewable hydropower resources, while reflecting the client’s ambitious GHG reduction targets and expected business growth. Overall, this will reduce their current reliance on fossil fuels like heavy fuel oil, diesel and coke as well as electrify the industrial process and boiler rooms. Consumers who use large amounts of energy require extensive power supply facilities, so we recommended building a high-voltage power line with a capacity of over 1,000 MW to meet their new electricity needs.
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Energy transition of this magnitude requires significant investments. So, it was crucial to rigorously analyze the available technology and project feasibility to properly advise the client.
Louis-François Gagnon, P.Eng., Energy Efficiency Expert -
This client is ideally located with several hydropower dams and high-voltage distribution systems nearby. So, it would be foolish not to take advantage! After that, it’s just a matter of getting the power to the user.
Maurice Brisson, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Power Expert -
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In numbers
15% A reduction of more than 15% in GHG intensity and nearly 30% in total projected emissions in 2030. -
50 A decrease of over $50 million on the energy bill in 2030 with a transition to hydropower.
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