Abstract
In line with the 2015 Paris Agreement and corresponding climate disclosure requirements, many mining companies have publicly disclosed that they are developing and/or implementing ambitious decarbonisation strategies. Sometimes these strategies can be linked to the development of community programs and/or the creation of a positive legacy post-closure.
Renewable power is key to most decarbonisation strategies – some mines will get this from external sources and others will establish on-site power generation and storage facilities. A range of options are available to develop renewable power generation (e.g. solar panel, wind farm, hydropower) and energy storage (e.g. battery, hydrogen, pumped hydroelectricity). Land access, impact assessments, planning and environmental approvals are required to establish new facilities. Host communities are more likely to be in favour of, or at least will accommodate, new power supply developments if these are planned with a benefit to the communities.
This presentation provides project developers, decision-makers and regulatory authorities with ideas on synergies between renewable energy options and community development programs. These can be considered to enhance stakeholders’ support for implementation of decarbonisation strategies.
