Solar power – capture and application.
The Cape Town-based subsidiary of German renewable energy specialist Juwi AG, signed an agreement with Sukari Gold Mines to design, supply, build and integrate a solar battery hybrid power plant for Egypt’s largest gold mine. Centamin owns and operates the mine in partnership with the Egyptian Government. The hybrid power plant is expected to be operational in the second quarter of next year, after which Juwi will undertake the plant operation and maintenance.
Giza Systems, a leading systems integrator in the MEA region, has been awarded the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for the 36 MW solar farm and 7.5 MW battery-energy storage system.
Dave Manning, Director Global Hybrid at Juwi said, “We look forward to assisting Centamin to reduce carbon emissions and cost of power to the Sukari Gold Mine. This global flagship project highlights significant benefits that African mines can unlock with solar battery hybrid solutions powered with Juwi Hybrid IQ.”
The Sukari solar plant will be the largest hybrid solar project at an off-grid mining operation. The massive project is expected to reduce diesel fuel oil consumption by more than 22 million litres per year and lower carbon emissions by more than 60,000 tonnes CO2-e per year. It will also reduce operating costs and increase reliability of the power system. The project is scheduled to be commissioned late in H1 2022.
The solar system designed by Juwi has maximized generation with bifacial solar PV modules and a single axis tracking system, taking advantage of the high irradiance at site. Juwi Hybrid IQ micro-grid technology will enable the integration of the solar and battery system into the existing off-grid network and support the operation of the existing power station. The benefits of the hybrid power solution at Sukari include:
- Reducing diesel consumption by an estimated 22 million litres-e per year;
- Lowering carbon emissions by an estimated 60,000 tCO2-e per every year;
- Reduction of all in sustaining costs;
- Reduced exposure to fuel price volatility;
- Increased reliability of the power system.
Juwi to Construct World’s Largest Solar Hybrid Project at Sukari Mine in Egypt
