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Schneider Electric and Wärtsilä Launch World’s First Sustainable Lithium Mining Power Solution
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New power system enables sustainable and otherwise impossible lithium mining in areas without grid access, unlocking global market supply
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Delivers average 27% CapEx saving and 20% CO2 reduction
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Accelerates mining decarbonization
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, and Wärtsilä, a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets, have partnered to create a sustainable, uninterrupted power solution for the most remote lithium mines in the world. According to the statement sent by the company, the holistic fit-for-purpose power system includes tailored power supply consulting and design, power infrastructure build, equipment delivery, installation, digital microgrids operation, and commissioning available to mining operators around the world.
The Schneider Electric and Wärtsilä solution, developed over 20 years of collaboration spanning over 200 projects, optimizes the efficient delivery and use of energy. It unifies and leverages microgrids, thermal power generation, energy storage, and other renewable energy sources to provide a highly cost-effective power solution with a minimal environmental footprint for the mining industry. Based on pilot projects, typical results include:
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An average overall CapEx reduction of 27%
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A CO2 emissions reduction of up to 20% or 18,500 tons per year per mine
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An energy cost reduction of 40% when switching to the joint Schneider - Wärtsilä solution from local off-grid diesel-generated power
The design concept of the project extends to the lifecycle of the mine, delivering and provisioning for the exactly right level of power to enable a mine’s productivity. As a result, operational costs are reduced and power availability is optimized to reach a mine’s production targets. This solution works for new mines that are currently being designed and also for mining project conversions.
Schneider Electric and Wärtsilä signed the framework co-operation agreement for the development of the design for mining energy solutions in March 2020. The parties aim to optimize customer benefit in mining projects by offering solutions based on mutually complementary technologies.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.
Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.
We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.
We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.