Energy storage for mining sector decarbonization

Mining accounts for about 5% of Canada's gross domestic product, yet many isolated mines still depend on diesel. The transition to renewables is hindered by their intermittency, making energy storage integration essential to a viable transition.

This doctoral project develops a sizing algorithm for hybrid storage systems adapted to the extreme conditions of isolated northern mines, together with operational management strategies that minimize both emissions and costs — accounting for demand flexibility and energy recovery mechanisms — while guaranteeing microgrid reliability.

Main objective

Develop planning and management algorithms for energy storage systems in mines, optimally combining different technologies to support the decarbonization of Quebec's mining sector.

Methodology

Review of isolated-microgrid sizing algorithms and management strategies, identification of key factors, then definition of a reference case study progressively refined to optimize operation under demand flexibility and energy recovery.