Aggreko said that the 18 GWh/yr microgrid is powered through an integration of more than 20,000 solar panels and a 2 MW/1 MWh battery system with the company's existing gas-fired power station at the site.

When fully operational, the new microgrid  will reduce Granny Smith's fuel consumption by up to 13% - cutting its emissions by 9,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. 

"The Granny Smith microgrid and the renewable energy solution at our Agnew mine are a clear demonstration of the innovative steps we are taking to ensure the ongoing sustainability of our operations," said Gold Fields executive vice president Australasia, Stuart Mathews.

"Here in Australia and globally our company is committed to addressing climate change impacts by transitioning towards an energy mix that increasingly embraces renewables and lower carbon fuel sources."

The hybrid system creates flexibility as the solar PV reduces the need to run thermal generators, while the battery plant provides essential services such as PV ramp rate control and transient voltage/frequency support. The assets are being managed by Aggreko's control software platform.

"Demand for decentralised energy solutions has skyrocketed over the past few years as companies look past the grid for power solutions to help them meet their unique needs," said Aggreko's AusPac managing director, George Whyte.

"The hybrid assets we've delivered for the Granny Smith mine will help Gold Fields reduce operating costs and carbon emissions with the flexibility and capital expenditure savings that come with rental solutions."