Australia’s mining sector is powered by diesel. Every year, the industry consumes billions of litres to power remote operations. With the current uncertainty around liquid fuels, the industry is looking into renewable energy solutions.
In this post, we explore a new renewable technology, airborne wind energy (AWE), the potential solution for off grid mine power which is also gaining momentum all over the world.
Getting to know AWE
An AWE system is as a compact, mobile power generator that does not require ground civil infrastructure and therefore has a much lower impact on the surface site. Its portability could be a breakthrough for powering remote mines.
Capturing wind at a high altitude is a highly effective way to harvest wind energy, making AWE a potential solution.
The technology used in AWE systems harnesses high-altitude wind energy using tethered flying devices, rather than rigid structures like traditional wind turbines. Devices such as gliders, drones, or kites ascend to at least 200m and up to 600m to reach more stable, stronger wind than that available at ground level. The devices carrying onboard turbines that generate power and transmit it through the tether to a facility on the ground.
The off grid mine power problem
Mining operations in Australia’s remote regions have always been faced with a tricky power equation and soaring liquid fuel prices are complicating the situation further. Medium-sized processing equipment on average spends tens of thousands of diesel per day equal to tens of millions of dollars’ worth of the fuel cost. And yet, there are still the carbon liabilities and regulatory headwinds for high emissions. During the daytime, demand for power could be covered by solar. Increasing battery capacity might cover part of the overnight works. Fixed assets such as wind towers would take at least several months before they could be fully operational. AWE could provide the missing link.
AWE’s potential advantages for Australian mining
Deploying airborne wind energy (AWE) systems at mine sites has several advantages over conventional power generator.
Higher capacity factor
AWE generation outperforms ground-based turbines in the same location. Wind at higher altitude blows harder and more consistently. They are better at providing power for industrial operations’ 24/7 demands.
Fuel cost displacement
Using renewable technology could displace 40 to 60% of Australian mining’s diesel consumption, saving the sector millions of dollars annually. Moreover, during times of disruptions in global supply, that volatility will not affect businesses as much.
Lower infrastructure footprint
Unlike conventional wind turbines that require upfront cost and long lead times, an AWE ground station is comparatively compact. They don’t need concrete foundations, grid-scale cabling, or crane access.
Mobility
The main advantages of AWE system kits are about their flexibility. Not only can they be used in remote locations, but they can also be easily relocated as a mine project evolves. There will be no stranded assets or problems with decommissioning.
The AWE opportunity in Australia
Australia’s resource-rich regions, such as the Pilbara and Goldfields, that also have strong and persistent high-altitude wind and relatively flat terrain are great candidates for airborne wind energy (AWE). Tether management is easier because the flat, open terrain has minimum obstacles and more predictable flight path. This is the real economic value of AWE: avoiding the expenditure of diesel logistics and the cost of building new transmission lines in off grid mine power areas.
The AWE kits now in development are worthy of assessment and analysis for their potential to match Australia’s remote mine power demands. In addition, with their dramatically reduced carbon footprint, AWE would be advantageous for companies navigating ESG reporting requirements and Scope 1 emissions.