Clenergy provides renewable energy system to power Australia mine

Swedish based solar technology developer, Clenergy, have supplied a 1.7 megawatt ground mount system for a diesel displacement solar plant project at the Weipa Bauxite mine in Cape York Peninsula.

The project, located at the northern tip of eastern Australia, received funding from the Commonwealth Government, with an initial commitment of $3.5 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

It is Australia’s first commercial diesel displacement solar plant to have successfully commenced commercial operation at a remote mine.

This solar project was developed by First Solar, and Clenergy provided an integrated mounting solution and engineering services for the Weipa solar project.

As the project uses First Solar’s advanced thin film frameless panels, Clenergy developed a unique cyclone rated clamp, which then was tested and accepted by First Solar, to ensure compliance with First Solar warranty requirements.

As the mounting system is easy to install there are minimal training requirements. It is therefore easier to recruit suitable installation labour to install the simple but robust structure.

At peak output, the 1.2 megawatt capacity solar plant will generate sufficient electricity to support up to 20 per cent of the township’s daytime electricity demand.

The project acts as a lead for other mining companies looking to reduce the cost volatility associated with diesel generations in remote locations.

For more information, please visit http://www.clenergy.com