Mining giant Vale is considering the widespread implementation of industrial batteries to power its ports and mining sites, signaling a significant boost for the budding battery industry in Brazil. Ludmila Nascimento, the firm’s Energy and Decarbonization director, revealed the company’s interest in expanding the use of battery systems beyond its Ilha Guaiba Terminal (TIG) port in Rio de Janeiro state.
While the installation of the battery system at TIG took approximately four years, Nascimento expressed confidence in replicating the project at three other ports the company operates in a much shorter timeframe. The successful and uninterrupted operation of Vale’s battery system for seven months at TIG addresses concerns about the reliability of this technology in Brazil, according to Sergio Jacobsen, Chief Executive of Micropower Energy, the system’s supplier.
The use of industrial batteries has allowed Vale to store energy during the day and utilize it during periods of peak demand, resulting in a remarkable 40% reduction in energy distribution costs at TIG. This translates to annual savings of around 3 million reais ($605,000). Although Vale has not disclosed the upfront investment, Micropower Energy funded the project and will be reimbursed through these energy savings.
Jacobsen highlighted that while large-scale battery deployment is still in its early stages in Brazil, other countries have adopted this technology more extensively. As Brazil increasingly relies on wind and solar power, the need for effective energy storage becomes crucial to prevent wastage during times of surplus supply.
Vale’s exploration of expanding battery usage to power its operations not only demonstrates the company’s commitment to cost-cutting measures but also acknowledges the role of innovation in driving sustainability and decarbonization. By embracing battery technology, Vale sets an example for other players in the mining industry to adopt eco-friendly solutions that can benefit not only their bottom line but also the environment.
Mining giant Vale to implement industrial batteries:
Mining company Vale is considering the widespread implementation of industrial batteries to power its ports and mining sites in Brazil. The company’s Energy and Decarbonization director expressed confidence in replicating the success of their battery system at one port to three other ports operated by the company.
Success of battery system at TIG:
Vale’s battery system at the Ilha Guaiba Terminal (TIG) port in Rio de Janeiro state has operated successfully and uninterrupted for seven months. This success addresses concerns about the reliability of this technology in Brazil. The Chief Executive of Micropower Energy, the system’s supplier, has confirmed its reliability.
Battery usage leads to cost reduction:
The use of industrial batteries has resulted in a 40% reduction in energy distribution costs at TIG, leading to annual savings of approximately 3 million reais ($605,000). Vale has not disclosed the upfront investment, but Micropower Energy funded the project and will be reimbursed through energy savings.
Benefits of battery deployment in Brazil:
While large-scale battery deployment is still in its early stages in Brazil, other countries have adopted this technology more extensively. As Brazil relies more on wind and solar power, effective energy storage becomes crucial to prevent wastage during surplus supply.
Vale’s commitment to cost-cutting and innovation:
Vale’s exploration of expanding battery usage demonstrates the company’s commitment to cost-cutting measures and its acknowledgment of the role of innovation in driving sustainability and decarbonization. By embracing battery technology, Vale sets an example for other players in the mining industry to adopt eco-friendly solutions that can benefit their bottom line and the environment.
Key Terms:
– Industrial batteries: Batteries specifically designed for larger-scale applications, such as powering industrial sites and facilities.
– Decarbonization: The process of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions.
– Energy distribution costs: The expenses associated with delivering energy to its end-users.
– Wastage: The unnecessary or inefficient use of resources, in this case, referring to surplus supply in relation to renewable energy sources.
Related Links:
– Vale