2016年-德勤全球_Energy_and_the_mining_industry_15页_10mb

Summary of "Renewables in Mining: Rethink, Reconsider, Replay"

Core Content

Renewables are increasingly becoming a strategic component for mining companies, offering more than just cost savings. They provide a competitive advantage by improving safety, reliability, sustainability, and social license to operate. The document emphasizes the need for mining companies to rethink operational processes and consider renewables as part of a broader energy management strategy.

Main Points

• Renewables as a Competitive Advantage:
  Mining companies are leveraging renewables to reduce energy costs, enhance reliability, and support sustainability goals. This is not just a cost-cutting measure but a strategic move to align with global decarbonisation efforts and improve long-term operational viability.

• Cost Trends in Renewable Energy:
  The levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for renewables has significantly declined over the years. For instance:

  • Large-scale Solar PV: AU$91/MWh (2020) → AU$61/MWh (2030)
  • Solar PV with Battery Storage: AU$138/MWh (2020) → AU$87/MWh (2030)
  • Wind Power: AU$92/MWh (2020) → AU$79/MWh (2030)
  • Gas CCGT: AU$83/MWh (2020) → AU$93/MWh (2030)
  • Gas OCGT: AU$123/MWh (2020) → AU$135/MWh (2030)

  These trends suggest that renewables are becoming more cost-effective than traditional fossil fuels, especially for off-grid operations.

• Reliability Improvements:
  Concerns about the reliability of renewables have been largely addressed through hybrid systems (e.g., wind-diesel, solar-diesel) and advanced storage solutions. For example, the Diavik Wind Farm in Canada operates in extreme subarctic conditions and has been designed to exceed industry standards for cold-weather performance.

• Battery Storage and Digital Grids:
  Battery storage is becoming a key enabler for managing intermittency in renewable energy. Projects like the Tesla PowerPack in South Australia demonstrate how large-scale batteries can support grid stability and provide emergency back-up power. Additionally, digital intelligent grids are essential for real-time demand management, reducing the need for extensive battery storage and enabling a more efficient and dynamic energy system.

• Business Case Complexity:
  While the business case for renewables is strong, it is complex and requires a broader perspective. Factors include:

  • Hedging against future fuel price volatility
  • Lowering operations and maintenance costs
  • Revenue generation from selling excess capacity and providing ancillary services
  • Price predictability and reduced carbon liabilities
  • Greater control through smart energy management systems

• Opportunities for Renewables in Mining:
  The document highlights that no single solution fits all mining operations. The integration of renewables depends on location-specific factors such as resource availability, demand profiles, and pricing structures. Off-grid mines, in particular, offer significant opportunities due to the high cost of diesel fuel.

• Flexible Financing and Solutions:
  Customized financing options, shorter-term PPAs, and off-balance-sheet financing are helping mining companies overcome capital and long-term commitment concerns. Developers are also offering modular and mobile renewable solutions, such as the SunSHIFT project by Laing O'Rourke, which can be dismantled and relocated after the mine's operational life.

• Call to Action:
  Mining companies should experiment with small-scale renewable projects to build awareness and transition toward an energy management mindset. They are also encouraged to explore the broader ecosystem of renewable energy stakeholders, including developers, investors, and government bodies, to unlock more value and support.

Key Information

• Energy Cost Impact: Renewables can reduce energy costs by up to 25% in existing operations and 50% in new mines.
• Social and Environmental Benefits: Renewables contribute to reduced carbon emissions, improved community relations, and enhanced corporate responsibility.
• Global Trends: The clean-energy movement is global and irreversible, with major mining companies integrating renewables into their energy strategies.
• Strategic Integration: Companies should not only view renewables as a substitute for diesel but also as a means to innovate and optimize operations.

Conclusion

Renewables are no longer a niche option but a critical component of energy management in the mining industry. To fully realize the benefits, mining companies must rethink their operational models, reconsider their energy strategies, and integrate renewables into their long-term planning. The time to act is now, as delaying could result in higher costs and reduced competitiveness in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.