Mining News
Gold Fields' Agnew gold mine now powered by Australia's largest hybrid renewable microgrid
(Kitco News) - Australia's largest hybrid renewable microgrid, and the first in the country to power a mine predominantly with wind- generated electricity, was officially opened at the Agnew gold mine owned by Gold Fields.
Constructed, owned and operated by global energy producer EDL, the 56MW microgrid powers Gold Fields' Agnew gold mine with an average of 50-60% renewable energy, even achieving up to 85% in favourable weather conditions, according to a press-release.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) provided $13.5 million in funding to the project as part of its Advancing Renewables Program.
The ARENA-backed microgrid project was developed and is now operated by EDL under a 10-year agreement to supply power to the Agnew gold mine.
EDL CEO James Harman said the Agnew microgrid had showcased engineering excellence at every stage, from its inception to its innovative integration of five energy technologies, and to its navigation through a bushfires and a global pandemic.
Gold Fields Executive Vice President Australasia Stuart Mathews said, "Gold Fields is enormously proud to have the opportunity to officially mark the delivery of our commitment to building a modern, sustainable hybrid renewable energy solution at the Agnew gold mine."
"With demonstrated success in construction and now operation, this project has provided a framework to take innovative energy solutions further across Gold Fields' mine sites both in Australia and around the world," he added.
A leading global producer of sustainable distributed energy, EDL owns and operates a portfolio of almost 100 power stations in Australia, North America and Europe.
Gold Fields is a globally diversified gold producer with nine operating mines in Australia, Peru, South Africa and West Africa (including the Asanko JV), as well as one project in Chile.
