Well suited to the remote Australian outback conditions TESVOLT's resilient battery storage systems were the obvious choice for Unlimited Energy Australia when designing a renewable energy solution at the Yamarna mining exploration camp 1,200km north-east of Perth Western Australia.
The renewable energy hub, custom designed and delivered by Unlimited Energy Australia for Gold Road Resources Yamarna Exploration Camp, is comprised of a solar Photovoltaic (PV) array combined with a TESVOLT lithium energy storage hub. Driving this approach was the requirement to offset the use of existing onsite diesel generators, thereby reducing the associated carbon emissions, and the cost of diesel fuel and its associated logistics.
Environmental and cost benefits played a significant part in the adoption of this renewable energy solution. The recent global challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis further highlights the importance of energy independence. The risk to economies and businesses globally when logistics and supply chains are disrupted have become increasingly prominent. Reducing the frequency of diesel fuel transportation contributes to safeguarding Gold Road from these real risks. Gold Road is also positioning as a future leader in sustainability, installing renewable energy at its exploration camp is part of this journey and underlines management’s commitment to the environment.
The team at Unlimited Energy Australia custom-designed the energy storage hub and surface mounted solar PV array locally. The innovative design significantly expedited the installation process delivering a system that is reliable, re-deployable, modular and scalable.
Understanding the harsh Western Australian conditions and remoteness of the site, the decision to select the resilient, reliable, award winning German manufactured Tesvolt lithium-based energy storage system was an easy one.
This completely off-grid self-sufficient energy solution will offset between 70 - 80% of the camp’s diesel consumption, delivering environmental and cost benefits to Gold Road’s exploration operation.
“We know that there is a perception that battery storage technology is an emerging technology, so eliminating the risk was of utmost importance to us. Our TESVOLT technology selection ensures one of the safest battery cells on the market, long term performance warranties and batteries that have been tried and tested in conditions common in such remote Australian locations”
Mr Torsten Ketelsen, Managing Director Unlimited Energy Australia explains.
“Our successful deployment of this system will certainly provide confidence to the resources sector that these technologies are now readily available, technically advanced and economically viable to serve their energy needs.”
Mr Ketelsen added.
The 187kW PV system with 408kWh of TESVOLT lithium-ion energy storage system is now fully operational and able to reduce diesel runtime from 24 hours to 2.4 hours producing in excess of 1 megawatt hours of renewable energy every day.
The Renewable Energy Hub was officially opened on 17 December 2020 at the Gold Road Yamarna Exploration Camp by the Hon. Bill Johnston MLA, Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Industrial Relations and Mr Duncan Gibbs, CEO Gold Road Resources Ltd.
Minister Johnston commended Gold Road for its adoption of the innovative new technology outlining how such projects are positioning Western Australia as a leader in the application of renewable energy solutions in the resources sector.
"Western Australia is leading the way in deploying renewable energy systems in the resources industry, which is further supporting our global reputation as an innovative mining jurisdiction. The McGowan Government is fully supportive of mining companies embracing renewable energy technologies, and is committed to transitioning to a low carbon future."
WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum Hon Bill Johnston MLA commented.
Further details are available from Minister Johnston’s Media Release: