Sirius Resources Nova Nickel mine in Western Australia has announced that it will use a diesel/solar power station to run the operations of the mine.

Zenith Pacific together with German company, Solea AG, will build a 20MW diesel/gas dual fuel station together with a 6.7MW solar power station. Once built, it will save 8 000 tonnes of CO2 emissions (equivalent to taking 17 000 cars off the roads), generate 12.5 million kilowatts of clean energy each year and save over 3 million litres of diesel each year.

Zenith Pacific will construct, own, operate and maintain the whole system. The project will be completed in 20 weeks and will not cost Sirius Resources anything upfront. Power produced will be paid for over a 10 year PPA.

The solar power system can cover up to half of the mines power needs during peak sunlight hours.

“I am personally very proud to have the opportunity to apply renewable green technology at a mine site, using a proven system and at no capital cost,” said Sirius’ Managing Director Mark Bennett. ” It shows that mining and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive concepts, and that it is possible to operate in a way which benefits our shareholders, other stakeholders and our planet.”

It is possible for mines to goes solar – hopefully this is the first of many in Australia.