Aggreko has signed a contract with Gold Fields, global mining operator, to provide a total of 25.9 MW hybrid solar and thermal power solution to the Salares Norte open pit mine in Chile. This solution has been designed to provide power for the entire mine, which sits at an altitude of 4,500m in the Andes mountain range and is 190km from the nearest town.
The hybrid system will comprise both high-altitude performance diesel gensets and Aggreko Solar Power units, optimized for off-grid applications and extreme wind conditions. The gensets will each deliver 772 kW and will incorporate Spinning Reserve and Cold Reserve units to efficiently manage peaks in demand. This diesel generation system will be integrated with solar units, which, once installed, will provide 9.9 MW of cost and emission-free power.
