Author: aidan

Renewable energy is becoming increasingly important in the mining industry, with many companies adopting more sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their bottom line. There are several compelling reasons why renewable energy is good for mining operations, including: decarbonisation, cost savings compared to diesel (carbon-based fuels), predictable cost of energy, and sustainability.

The mining industry is one of the largest direct and indirect emitters of greenhouse gases in the world, making decarbonisation a key priority for companies that want to operate in a more sustainable and responsible way. Renewable energy can play a significant role in reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions, as it allows companies to shift away from fossil fuels and rely on cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy. For example, using wind or solar power to offset self-generation or reduce grid electricity purchases in mines can significantly reduce emissions, while also providing a stable, reliable source of energy when and if coupled with battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Release in Cameroon.

“It is essential to promote sustainability in the mining industry. As mining companies extract finite resources from the earth, it is critical that they adopt practices that help to preserve the environment for future generations. Renewable energy is a key part of this, as it allows companies to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and operate in a more environmentally responsible way. Companies can now demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and help to build trust with stakeholders and the communities in which they operate – while making a good business decision”, Hans Olav Kvalvaag, CEO Release by Scatec.

Renewable energy, especially solar PV, has always been far cheaper than diesel and other fossil fuels, and it is continuing to become still more cost competitive as the technology continues to improve and economies of scale are achieved.

Release in Cameroon.

But how is a mining company incentivized to drop their relatively simple diesel generator solution and spend time and money on a non-core-business activity at both development and O&M stages?

The Release model was designed to be the renewable energy equivalent of a flexible diesel generator lease. The O&M for diesel generators is far more complex and expensive than for renewables. The only obstacle for embracing renewables is that they are infamously capex intensive. Release solves that by financing the equipment and shifting capital expenditure (capex) to operational expenditure (opex) through our lease model.

As the industry continues to evolve and companies seek to become more responsible and sustainable, renewable energy will play a critical role in shaping the future of mining. Companies that embrace renewable energy today will be well positioned to compete and succeed in the years ahead.

Release is a flexible leasing agreement of pre-assembled and modular solar PV and battery equipment, securely integrated with your power infrastructure. Release is powered by Scatec, a leading renewable power producer with more than 4.6 GW in operation and under construction on four continents.

Designed to overcome challenges associated with adopting solar power, Release offers customers their own solar plant without the need for large investments or long-term contractual commitments.

Taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, Release by Scatec hosted delegates from the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE)‘s West African Power Pool (WAPP) Organisation – a specialised agency associating public and private power entities of 14 West African states. As part of a broader programme led by WAPP, and funded by the World Bank, the objective was to upskill power experts in the realm of renewable energy – in order to trigger scaling up of investment and development of solar PV plants at a regional (continental) scale.

WAPP in Cape Town, South Africa.

The WAPP and Release by Scatec partnered to drive education and experience in solar PV plant operation and maintenance, leveraging Scatec’s experience in successfully operating large scale PV plants. With a dedicated focus to the West African region, Release led a one-week study trip to Scatec’s Cape Town office, and operational PV facilities and test sites in Upington and Stellenbosch.

Upington Solar Complex, Northern Cape, South Africa.

In addition to this, classroom sessions were hosted – as well as a tour Scatec’s Control and Monitoring Centre (CMC). Bustling discussions with Scatec and Release staff enabled the trainees to exchange on real life issues related to PV power plant operations.

Trainees were also invited to a presentation from Dr. Wikus Kruger, an academic and industry leader from the University of Cape Town, who shared lessons and pathways to accelerated investment into renewable energy on the African continent. The chief engineer from the Planning Centre of Excellence (Eskom), Riaan Smit, also made hosted a session on the planning of PV deployment and grid related integration challenges.

Sub Station, Sirius, Upington Solar Complex, Northern Cape, South Africa.

Throughout this process, the Release by Scatec business model was explained, and shown in action. Challenges of high capital amounts (if publicly financed), guarantee requirements, 25 years commitment and difficulties to reach financial close (if private projects) for solar PV facilities were all highlight as hurdles to widespread implementation of renewable energy in emerging markets. Release by Scatec’s study tour not only allowed knowledge transfer to occur, but also showed that our business offering solves pain points currently experienced by African utilities: a partnership approach that has simplified and flexible contracts, quick installation, limited upfront investment, scalability, and guaranteed performance. The Release model truly empowers the client – with deep learning and understanding transferred during the operation and maintenance of the plant. This is where true knowledge sharing happens.

O&M, Site Building, Northern Cape, South Africa.

Throughout the week, the trainees built a strong team spirit thanks to the visits, workshops, and mutual sharing of experience by Scatec and Release. A sense of pride was felt by the organising committee, as it was a unique moment where our company and employees could share their experience and expertise – as well as learn the delegation of WAPP members.

Scaling and launching an independent Release platform is key in the optimisation of Scatec’s portfolio, and a driving force in the company’s updated strategy. Sharing our offering to key stakeholders and markets is crucial to our growth, and we are proud to show our strategy in action.

In sunny Cape Town, South Africa, Release and Scatec ASA are hosting delegates from the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE)‘s West African Power Pool (WAPP) Organisation – a specialised agency associating public and private power entities of 14 West African states. ☀️🌍

The first days of the learning tour included an introduction to Scatec’s local offices, a deep dive into the company’s operation and maintenance (O&M) activities, and a visit to Scatec ASA‘s Upington projects. 👇

Our ultimate goal is to give trainees knowledge that can be used for day-to-day energy operations – and for them to experience the technical expertise of how to deal with real-life challenges in the O&M of solar PV plants. ⚡

Present at the 11th Norwegian-African Business Association (NABA) Summit, Hans Olav Kvalvaag shared his thoughts as to how Release can strategically impact Africa’s energy transition.💡

“Release is a solution that mitigates the challenges facing the expedited rollout of renewables in Africa. We are a flexible and rapidly deployable solution solving carbon and costs hurdles for mines and utilities on the continent.” 🔋☀️