Owing to the energy-inten- sive nature of mining operations, China-based solar cells and modules manufacturer Talesun Energy believes its photovoltaic (PV) solutions will enable mining operations to reduce the amount of power mines draw from national electricity grids, which will also reduce mining companies’ energy costs in the long term.

Talesun Europe, Middle East and Africa sales and marketing head Simone Lintermann attended the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which took place in Cape Town, last month, to encourage mining companies to use solar power in their mining operations.

Speaking to Mining Weekly on the sidelines of the conference, Lintermann said Talesun can deliver turnkey solar systems to the mining and heavy industrial sectors in Africa.

She emphasised that, globally, the mining industry is becoming increasingly sensitive about ensuring greater operational sustainability, adding that the use of PV technology would play a significant role in reducing the level of carbon dioxide emissions produced through electricity generation at a mining operation.

However, she acknowledged that PV cannot be used as a standalone solution, but could be used as a hybrid power solution with gas or diesel generators.

“Talesun can tailor a PV solution to save between 25% to 45% of a mining operation’s energy costs,” Lintermann asserted.

About Talesun Energy

Talesun’s service offering includes project development; bridge and construction financing; engineering, procurement, and construction management; grid connection; provisional acceptance certification; final acceptance certification; project finance; project sales; and site operation and maintenance.

The company has several PV projects currently under way, including in China, where it has a 100 MW ground-mounted project in Jiayuguan, in Gansu province, a 23.8 MW rooftop project in Xuzhou, and a 9.8 MW rooftop project in Zhongli; and in Germany, where it has a 20 MW ground-mounted project in Neuhardenberg, a 1.87 MW ground-mounted project in Elsterwerda, a 5 MW ground-mounted project in Jocksdorf, a 781 kW ground-mounted project in Catherinau and a 3.88 MW ground-mounted project in Wippendorf.