Solar delivers serious savings at Abra
On the back of record months of silver and lead production, and at a time of volatile fuel supply and pricing, Endurance Mining’s Abra mine has delivered significant cost savings through solar power.
Introduced in 2022, the 11-hectare modular solar array and complementary 1,920 kVA battery energy storage (BESS) supplies 46% of Abra’s daytime energy needs and 26% at night, with the remainder powered by gas. Diesel equates to less than 10% of energy use on-site, reserved for shut down and back-up.
“Solar provides nearly half of Abra’s power during daylight hours on clear, sunny days, with the battery kicking in when the sun goes down,” said Endurance’s Executive General Manager Craig Fawcett.
“With Abra located in the Mid-West, the summer months have proven that solar is a cost-effective power source, and it’s primed to provide continued cost savings across the operation.
Through solar, BESS, and gas, Endurance is saving $3.1 million per year in energy costs, a significant OpEx reduction that has embedded both cost savings and sustainability.
“In addition to providing lower cost power, solar is also reducing our CO2 emissions by 8,150 tonnes per year,” said Fawcett.
With production at the Abra site continuing at pace, and exploration activities stepping up, Fawcett says the use of solar will continue to be reviewed and its potential is maximised.
“At a time when the Australia and the rest of the world recognise the importance of solar and BESS as we progress towards 2050 targets, Endurance has a head start, having successfully built renewables into our long-term plans.”
