Independent power producer (IPP) Enernet Global has started early engineering for a hybrid power plant for the Dasa uranium project, in Niger, developer Global Atomic has said.
Enernet will build, own, operate and maintain the hybrid power plant in Niger.
The IPP will complete the early engineering in late 2022, following which the construction phase of the power plant is scheduled to begin, Global Atomic says.
Once operating, the mine will require 12 MW of consistent power and Enernet will deliver a hybrid power plant including 16 MW solar, 15 MW battery energy storage, a 16 MW back-up diesel generation plant and advanced controls integrated with grid power provided by the Niger government-owned Sonichar utility.
The system will provide about 35% of power requirements from renewables.
“We are committed to develop Dasa as the largest and highest-grade uranium producer in Africa and Enernet will help us to become one of the mining industry’s leaders in low emissions. Enernet’s approach will help reduce our up-front capital costs, support Niger by engaging its State-owned utility Sonichar as our primary energy source, introduce solar as a legacy to the region and utilize our own generators as a backup to ensure the health and safety of our workers and continuous operations,” says Global Atomic chairperson and CEO Stephen Roman.
Enernet CEO Paul Matthews says Dasa will be one of the greenest operations in sub-Saharan Africa “This is another big step by our Africa team to deliver sustainable, renewable projects and drive toward our vision to decarbonize supply chains around the world."
The project will be delivered by Enernet’s Africa team, headquartered in Johannesburg.