Energy has been a key driver for global economic growth since the first industrial revolution, when the invention of the steam engine led to the rise of train and mechanised manufacturing.
While fossil fuels contributed to the steam engine’s impact, the production and use of energy contributes significantly to global warming – about two-thirds of generated human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
Recently, the world has been transitioning towards a cleaner and more sustainable future due to global calls for action and regulations to combat climate change.
Climate action, sustainable consumption and production, and affordable and clean energy, are three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals linked to the energy transition.
In acknowledgment of International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January, it is pertinent to reflect on the significance of clean energy and the potential of industries like mining to be key drivers of a sustainable future.
The past 10 to 15 years have brought considerable progress in the energy sector, and greater awareness of the need to transition from fossil fuels to zero-carbon energy.
Namibia’s renewable energy potential has been quantified and incorporated in the National Integrated Resource Plan.
Meanwhile, renewable energy technologies, particularly solar and wind, have matured significantly, with costs dropping to competitive levels as traditional energy generation technologies enable hybrid solutions capable of achieving up to 50% renewable energy penetration.
THE ROLE OF MINING
The energy-intensive mining industry’s role in driving the transition to clean energy cannot be understated; energy costs for mining companies are between 30% and 40% of operating costs.
The sector stands at the forefront of innovation, poised to align operations with global sustainability goals, as well as reduce energy costs.
While mining is also a high carbon-emitting industry, the generation of green energy requires more metals and minerals, i.e. more mining activities. It is, therefore, crucial to adopt climate-smart mining practices such as the integration of renewable energy in mining operations.
Mining in Namibia has traditionally been a top contributor to the local economy through local procurement, royalties and taxes, as well as wages and salaries.
The Namibian Chamber of Mines reported in 2023 that mining’s contribution to gross domestic product was 14.4% – N$21 billion in local procurement, N$2.5 billion in royalties paid and N$6.85 billion in wages and salaries – as well as a direct employment of just over 18 000. However, there is a mutually beneficial opportunity to contribute more if the mining industry actively participates in the clean energy transition.
Namibia’s regulatory framework encourages mining operations to explore clean energy options through joint ventures or independently, but there are challenges hampering uptake.
Fluctuating global commodity prices can reduce both a mine’s lifespan and its ability to generate sufficient revenue to provide capital for investment in energy transitions.
Additionally, renewable energy plants such as solar and wind do not have the same inertia as conventional power plants.
Grid inertia is the amount of kinetic energy stored in rotating generators of a power grid, which provides the system with the ability to resist or ride through changes in frequency. This phenomenon is a limiting factor in achieving 100% clean energy for big industries such as mining, despite research and development globally to overcome this challenge.
INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP
So, how can the mining industry be intentional about its role in the transition to clean energy?
Commitment from leaders remains key to setting organisational tone.
Top leadership must harness the potential of alternative energy models and foster a culture of energy conservation by identifying inefficiency and wastage before considering alternatives.
Consider starting small – rooftop solar energy systems on carports and office blocks can help companies build data around energy savings while creating excitement and traction.
Mining companies can also consider transitioning vehicle fleets from diesel-powered machinery to electric and/or battery electric – less complicated than exploring alternative fuels that are in their infancy.
- Pankratius Kondjamba is an engineering manager at Namdeb.
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