ROST International Trading Ltd and 247Solar Inc have announced an exclusive agreement for ROST to market 247Solar’s modular, scalable concentrated solar power (CSP) technology to the worldwide mining industry. The 247Solar Thermal Storage System™ stores the sun’s energy as heat instead of electricity, eliminating the need for costly batteries, to ensure 24/7 availability. To guarantee electricity on demand, the plants’ turbines can also burn a variety of fuels, enabling power to be supplied around the clock in any weather for a fraction of the price of other renewables.
247Solar Plants can be located in close proximity to mining facilities, which means minimal voltage drops during peak load requirements. Proximity to the mine also means that additional equipment such as shovels, drills, pumps, haul trucks (using overhead lines and pantograph systems), etc. can benefit from a sustainable power supply, further reducing costs and emissions.
“247Solar Plants™ offer guaranteed secure and clean power around the clock in any weather, regardless of whether the sun is shining, and they are ideally suited to mining applications in remote areas and where electricity supply is unreliable. The Plants provide highly reliable, uninterrupted power for mining, processing, and ancillary operations at very low operating costs, while eliminating the disadvantages of conventional power technologies. 247Solar Plants offer mine operators in remote areas the lowest-cost and most reliable power, available 24/7.”
The plants use mostly factory-built components, making installation and commissioning timeframes short. Due to their modular design, the first 400 kW plant typically can begin supplying power in 6-8 months from the time of confirmed order, with completion of 10 MW in 12-15 months. Power for mine development, construction, pre-production, and production phases can be supplied incrementally, allowing for staged financing.
“247Solar Plants use no water for operations and require minimal maintenance. 247Solar technology enables mining operations to significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Local communities and other social facilities may also benefit both immediately and after the mine has ceased operation, as the plants can continue to supply local communities or be wholly or partially relocated to other sites.”
Bruce Anderson, CEO of 247Solar, said “ROST offers an extensive network of contacts, deep experience and industry expertise we need to present our unique round-the-clock clean power solution to mining operators worldwide.”
Stuart Whitelock of ROST International further added,” The fact that 247Solar have invested their own money in a commercial demonstration plant in Morocco adds to the confidence that we have in this technology, which we wholeheartedly believe in.”
247Solar, Inc was formed in 2015 by solar industry pioneer Bruce Anderson to commercialize the 247Solar Plant™, invented by Wilson Solarpower Corp, a spinoff from MIT. The company has signed agreements to develop and deploy its technology in China and Sri Lanka, and is in advanced discussions with power project developers throughout the world, including Nigeria, Indonesia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere.
