In a new market report, Energy and Mines analyses key drivers and challenges for renewables integration into Chilean mines power supply and outlines the growing appetite and business opportunities for renewables in the country´s resource sector.
Mines need to secure 24/7 energy supply. We are considering different solutions and we see renewables as a key alternative for this challenge. Developing supply deals with renewables would guarantee competitive prices and sustainability, two of the main important goals for mining companies in Chile, says Marcos Cid, Senior Electrical Engineer at Teck Resources.
Why renewables make sense for Chilean mines? features interviews with Chilean authorities from leading companies including Teck, Energía Llaima, Codelco, BBA, Kinross Gold, the Chilean Copper Commission, the National Energy Commission, Minera Rafaela and U308. The publication reviews the increasing demand for energy and analyses how new legislation on energy efficiency, transmission and renewables will impact this market segment. The report also reviews the current low-energy, low-commodity prices and the potential impact on mines energy strategies and expansion plans.
Additionally, the reports highlights the great potential and drivers for mine-renewables partnerships in neighbouring Argentina, where the government has set a target for 8% of its electricity to come from renewable sources by 2017, moving to 20% by 2020.
Argentina is blessed with world-class renewable energy potential with unparalleled solar intensity in the Atacama desert and potential for wind power in the Roaring Forties in Patagonia. Mines in these remote areas would be wise to seriously investigate the economics of renewables for their operations, says Richard Spencer, President and CEO of U3O8 Corp, a Canadian company exploring renewables for their Argentinian operations.
