The Schneider Electric and Wärtsilä solution, developed over 20 years of collaboration and encompassing more than 200 projects, optimizes energy delivery and use. It achieves this by unifying and leveraging microgrids, thermal power generation, energy storage, and other renewable energy sources to provide a highly cost-effective energy solution with a minimal environmental footprint for the mining industry. As evidence of its effectiveness, several pilot projects have demonstrated an average reduction in overall CAPEX of 27%, CO2 emissions savings of up to 20% (18,500 tons per year per mine), and a 40% decrease in energy costs when switching from off-grid, locally generated diesel power to the joint Schneider Electric and Wärtsilä solution.
“The benefits of this joint solution extend far beyond lithium mining,” said Vivek Kapoor, Vice President and MMI Segment Leader at Schneider Electric. “To create a net-zero future, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage must be more affordable and accessible. This system will enable mining operators to reduce both the environmental impact of their facilities and the cost of production. In this way, it has the potential to drive the next generation of technology and ultimately serve as the foundation for a net-zero society. Global operators in the minerals, metals, and mining industries need to decarbonize their operations at a rapid pace and move toward a complete overhaul. This solution addresses these challenges, bringing transparency and efficiency to operations that were previously opaque.”
“The growing global demand for lithium, essential for battery storage applications, is driving mining operations to become as efficient and cost-effective as possible,” says Jean Nabb, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Wärtsilä Energy. “Power supply is a cornerstone of resilience and reliability. Together with Schneider Electric, we have designed a solution that leverages the strengths and expertise of both our companies. It will not only ensure a reliable energy supply but will also deliver economic and environmental benefits by making mining operations more efficient.”
The project design concept extends across the entire mine lifecycle, delivering and supplying the precise level of energy needed to boost productivity. As a result, operating costs are reduced and energy availability is optimized to meet production targets.
