The addition of a solar farm to a Namibian gold mine is expected to deliver glittering results across the economic, environmental and social spectrums.
As reported by Mining Review, B2Gold Namibia’s 7 MW PV solar plant, which will supply power to its Otjikoto gold mine, is said to be one of the largest installations of its kind in the country.
The mine has a consistent demand of 12.5 MW 24 hours per day. Prior to the installation of the solar plant, it would draw its energy requirements from the Otjikoto power plant, which comprises heavy fuel oil (HFO) diesel generators, consuming nearly 22 million litres of the fuel in 2017 alone, at a cost of approximately US$10.5 million.
However, this year the solar plant is expected to reduce energy costs by 14%, while also significantly lowering fuel consumption and GHG emissions.
‘This solar plant will deliver positive […] impacts that are likely to outlive the life of mine,’ says Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, adding that it will serve as a sustainable power solution as B2Gold works to improve economic returns and reduce impacts on the environment. The plant is also a potential funding source for community development.
