Hybrid Energy System in Action at a Remote Remediation Site

Diesel generators are an effective method of generating reliable electricity at remote locations such as exploration camps, remediation sites and remote mines. However, electrical loads are often highly variable, which can result in inefficient diesel generator operation and high maintenance costs. Diesel can also be very expensive to transport to remote locations. Hybrid electrical generation systems are a novel solution to these challenges for the mining industry. This presentation will focus on the development and implementation of a hybrid energy system that was installed by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) at the former Gunnar mine and mill site, a remediation site managed by SRC that is near Uranium City, Saskatchewan. The system improved generator efficiency while reducing runtime by adding battery energy storage. Fuel consumption was further reduced by incorporating renewable generation sources. This hybrid energy system was installed in 2015 and operated and was tested through a variety of conditions and modes over the past ten years. This demonstration unit was decommissioned in 2025 as the remediation work at the site is in its final stages. During this webinar, design decisions, operational data and efficiency results will be presented. Lessons learned over the course of the design, installation and operation will also be shared. Additional microgrid systems that have been developed since the Gunnar hybrid energy system will also be presented. Presenter Ryan Jansen manages the Saskatchewan Research Council’s (SRC) Energy and Process Solutions team.