Microgrid Energy Storage Solution for Mining Site in Africa: 15MW PCS + 30MWh Battery System Success Case

For African mining sites long reliant on diesel generation with no grid access, we successfully deployed an integrated "solar+storage+diesel" off-grid microgrid, addressing core pain points like high diesel power costs and fuel transportation volatility to achieve stable power supply and controllable costs.

 1. Project Background: Addressing Mining Energy Challenges

In remote African mining areas, the enduring reality of no grid access has forced operations to depend entirely on diesel power generation. This not only results in extremely high electricity costs but also exposes operations to diesel transportation cost fluctuations, unstable supply chains, and high operational and maintenance expenses. The traditional diesel generation model has become a critical bottleneck constraining mine profitability and sustainable development.

To address this complete off-grid scenario, we designed and deployed an innovative "solar + storage + diesel optimization" hybrid energy system. This solution aims to significantly reduce energy costs, decrease dependence on diesel fuel, and establish an independent and reliable microgrid.

2. Solution Overview: Integrated Hybrid Energy System

Our turnkey energy storage system combines multiple technologies to create a reliable industrial microgrid:

• 15MW High-Efficiency PCS for Energy Storage & Step-up Conversion Unit: Designed for industrial energy storage applications, this system supports customizable voltage and enables seamless integration with our modular energy storage system.
• 30MWh Containerized Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Utilizing our containerized energy storage system design with high voltage battery storage technology (5MWh per container). Each unit features outdoor ESS with liquid cooling technology for enhanced safety and long cycle life in harsh mining environments.
• Intelligent Energy Management System (EMS): From a leading smart energy management system vendor, this system optimizes coordination between solar PV, battery energy storage system (BESS), and diesel generators in this microgrid energy storage system.

3. Operational Strategy: Smart Energy Management

The system operates on a self-consumption model within this off-grid battery energy storage system:

1. Solar Priority Operation: Solar PV meets daytime loads with surplus energy stored in batteries, implementing effective peak shaving strategies.
2. Battery Storage Regulation: The LFP battery storage system provides power during non-sunlight hours, significantly reducing diesel generator runtime.
3. Intelligent Diesel Backup: Diesel generators serve only as backup, activating automatically when needed, effectively functioning as a battery system to replace diesel generator.
4. EMS Optimization: The system continuously optimizes for demand charge reduction and operational efficiency.

4. Benefits and Outcomes: Mining Energy Transformation

This mining energy storage project delivered measurable results:

1. Cost Reduction & Energy Optimization: Achieved approximately 80% reduction in diesel consumption, directly addressing diesel price volatility risk and transportation cost uncertainty. The system serves as both peak shaving BESS and demand charge reduction solution.
2. Enhanced Reliability & Safety: Provided 24/7 stable power supply for critical mining operations through this backup energy storage system, improving overall mining operation safety.
3. Environmental Compliance: Significantly reduced carbon emissions, supporting the mine's sustainability goals and ESG investment requirements.
4. Operational Efficiency: The scalable energy storage system design allows for future expansion, supporting the transition toward microgrid projects with higher renewable penetration.

5. Project Significance: Replicable Industrial Solution

This project serves as a successful BESS project case study and EPC energy storage project model for industrial energy storage applications. It demonstrates a viable approach for diesel generator replacement in weak grid areas and provides a blueprint for C&I energy storage system deployment in similar off-grid industrial facilities.

6. Call to Action: Get Your Custom Solution

We provide comprehensive energy storage solutions for challenging environments. Whether you need off-grid energy storage, diesel generator replacement, or microgrid development, our team can deliver customized solutions.

Contact us today for a customized technical proposal and feasibility analysis for your mining energy storage project or industrial energy storage system.