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Solar thermal energy
Chilean Mining Company Looks towards Denmark for Solar Thermal Installation
Codelco has signed an agreement with the consortium consisting of Energy Llaima SpA and Sunmark A/S for the construction and operationalization of the world's largest solar thermal installation. Codelco is the world’s largest copper mining company, and the installation will be built in connection with the Gaby mine in northern Chile. The installation will cover a total of 39,300 m2 with an annual output of 50,000 MWh (50 GWh). The plant will be completed in June 2013 and is a turn-key solution from Sunmark A/S.
Read more about solar thermal energy on www.stateofgreen.com
Taking steps towards sustainability
"This project is an important step in Minera Gaby's commitment towards sustainability. It allows us to meet an operational requirement with the available resources in our environment, in this case solar energy, " - Claudio Olguin, general manager of Minera Gaby.
Today the mine uses 8,000 m3 of oil per year to produce 120,000 tonnes of copper.
The solar thermal plant will:
- be the largest plant of its kind in the world
- cover 80% of the annual heating requirements
- reduce CO2 emissions by 15,000 tonnes per year
- reduce energy costs by approx. $ 7 million US
- ensure a reliable supply of energy
- reduce transportation of fuel to the mine by 250 trucks per year
Source: www.sunmark.com
