As a key pillar of the national economy and an industry leader, the Australian mining sector stands to benefit from the cleaner energy transition. Global decarbonisation will drive higher demand for key minerals, making the decarbonisation of the mining sector a compelling opportunity to align financial and sustainability goals for competitive advantage. With an emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), miners are seeking tangible strategies to reduce their Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions immediately, whilst maintaining energy reliability and cost efficiency.
Two Pathways, One Goal
Fuelfix is passionate about partnering with mining sector clients to transition to a clean energy future through innovative energy management and emissions solutions. Leveraging its extensive hydrocarbons expertise, we are well placed to help businesses understand where and how they use fuel, and to facilitate the design of solutions that reduce the cost of production, maintenance, and National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) compliance.
Barriers to Decarbonising the Mining Industry
With a history of emission intensive operations, the mining sector faces significant challenges to decarbonise at pace. High cost of change, technical challenges with low carbon technologies, and a dynamic policy and compliance framework for emissions reporting are barriers to their success. Volatile mine lives and production patterns, together with often complex and varied ownership structures do not facilitate easy access to capital for investment. Despite these challenges, momentum towards decarbonisation is building where it is practical to do so. Fuelfix is a partner of choice for many Australian mining companies to identify and execute opportunities to lower energy costs and reduce CO2 emissions.
Data Driven Decarbonisation
Data driven decarbonisation strategies play a pivotal role in reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Interpreting historical trends and data from fuel management systems, we can provide strategies to improve site fuel efficiency, cut operational costs, and assist miners to develop tangible ways to transition to a clean energy future. To reduce reliance on fossil fuels, many mining operations are exploring options to incorporate green technologies into their power generation and energy storage.
Our team of energy specialists can design micro grid solutions that aim to significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. By optimising the utilisation of renewable energy, elimination of energy waste, and efficient use of traditional hydrocarbon-based power generation, we can provide a cost and emissions efficient solution.
A Practical Approach to Cutting CO2 Emissions
Given the pace of change and the unique challenges of each mining operation, an understanding of current and emerging technologies is essential to optimise solutions. A combination of technological advancements, data-driven insights, and collaborative efforts across the mining industry will be crucial for achieving decarbonisation goals. We are a proactive participant in this journey, with an active learning strategy embedded within its DNA. Companies can optimise their operations by considering how they source and use materials, power their operations, and transport their goods. Powering applications with energy efficient solutions can help minimise energy consumption and emissions.
Solar Powered Refuelling
We recently designed a solar powered refuelling solution for a client requiring a fuel tank upgrade at their Moranbah site. Acting as a standalone replacement for one of their diesel generators, this low emission’s solution provided optimal performance whilst significantly reducing CO2 emissions and operational costs related to fuel usage, equipment maintenance, and servicing.
On an annualised basis, Fuelfix’s Go-Greener solution enabled the client to save 10,000L of diesel and reduce their CO2 emissions by 25 tonnes.
Hybrid Powered Refuelling
At one Onslow-based mine site, Fuelfix implemented a hybrid power system to replace a standard 30kva generator, with the goal to reduce fuel consumption, improve asset utilisation, and reduce maintenance costs. The system was designed to save 500 litres of fuel every week, by installing a micro grid. Over 1 week, the system powered the facility without the use of the diesel generator. 37% of energy consumption came directly from solar power with 63% of stored solar energy direct from the battery.
Annualised, this system will reduce fuel consumption by 26,000 litres and 70 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
“Helping our customers to maintain reliability and performance whilst delivering a lower cost, lower emissions energy solution, is at the core of everything we undertake. As Fuelfix has expanded its understanding and capability in the renewable space it has allowed us to better cater for our customers’ needs,” said Tricia Welsh, Fuelfix’s Chief Executive Officer.
As the world transitions towards a low emissions future, the demand to combine traditional fuels with renewable and next generation alternatives continues to gain pace. We are committed to helping our customers in their energy transition journey by identifying the ideal fit-for-purpose solution whilst maintaining operational performance. Through our comprehensive range of fuel, hybrid, battery-driven equipment, and national branch network, we deliver a suite of integrated services to improve operational energy efficiency and emissions without impacting reliability.
Ready to maximise your energy efficiency on site? Contact us now at 1300 734 764 or email us at admin@fuelfix.com.au to discuss your requirements and explore our range of innovative Hybrid, Solar and Battery Power Solutions. Let Fuelfix be your partner in enhancing efficiency and safety in your operations.
