Hamburg/Munich, 14 October 2019. Solar energy has become the most competitive energy source. In off-grid energy systems, solar energy combined with conventional energy generation and battery storage can provide secure power during day and night.
B2Gold Corp. (CA) operates the Fekola gold mine in Mali, West Africa. Suntrace GmbH with its partner BayWa r.e. had completed a preliminary study earlier this year evaluating the technical and economic viability of adding the solar battery plant to the Fekola mine site.
Following the study results, B2Gold has approved the US$ 38million project for implementation in 2019-2020, which will be one of the world’s largest off-grid solar battery hybrid systems. Construction shall start end of 2019 and is scheduled for completion in August 2020.
Suntrace together with its partner BayWa r.e. were selected to support B2Gold during implemention of the project as solar experts, providing all relevant technical expertise, such as detailed engineering, procurement support and support during construction and commissioning until completion of the project.
“It is a strong commitment by B2Gold to build such a significant solar-battery plant as a fuel saver for the Fekola mine. This project is a landmark in terms of battery and PV plant size with respect to an off-grid project. We are very proud that B2Gold has entrusted Suntrace/BayWa r.e. as expert to support the implementation of this innovative project,” says Martin Schlecht, COO of Suntrace.
“This is a great achievement for B2Gold and their move towards sustainable production. The fuel savings will enable repayment on the investment as well as lower energy costs and cut carbon emissions”, says Tobias Kriete, regional Manager Africa at BayWa r.e. Solar Projects GmbH. “The realization of this innovative system highlights the hybrid expertise of Suntrace and BayWa r.e.”, adds Philipp Kunze, Head of BayWa r.e. Solar Projects’s Global Hybrid Team.
