Mobile grid connection helps Chilean copper mine grow

Copper demand is expected to double by mid-century as the transition to a sustainable, digitized electricity-based energy system intensifies. Copper is used in most electronic and electrical products, and is a key component in electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels and power grids. It is also recyclable.

About 25% of the world's copper is mined in Chile. As production extends to new or deeper parts of the site, access to a constant flow of electricity is needed to power mining equipment and facilities.

To expand and strengthen the energy system, the mining company awarded the EPC company Sigdo Koppers Engineering and Construction (SKIC) the Engineering (through its subsidiary company Dessau), Procurement and Construction of this important project, which allows the mining company to relate to a single representative and responsible party.

SKIC has relevant experience in power transmission lines, both in Chile and Brazil (more than 7,000km installed in total), and in this opportunity, the participation of Hitachi Energy in the execution of this contract stands out.

To provide this electricity SKIC chose Hitachi Energy's mobile digital grid connection that can be easily moved from one location to another as the needs may dictate. Hitachi Energy has been supplying mobile grid connections for more than 40 years. It offers the highest power (500 MVA), the highest voltage (420 kV), the smallest footprint and the best maneuverability in the market.

Grid-eXpand Mobile solutions are modular, prefabricated, pre-assembled and pre-tested for fast delivery and plug-and-play implementation. They are easy to transport fully assembled and comply with all road transport regulations (length, height, and width), which means they are easy to deploy and can reach even the least accessible locations, including mountainous desert terrain. Once on site, they take only hours to install and energize.

For this application, Sigdo Koppers Ingeniería y Construcción chose a 69/13.8 kV grid connection, which connects to the mine's power grid. The solution is housed in modules on two trailers, with high voltage equipment on one trailer and medium voltage, auxiliary and control and protection equipment on the other.

Impact

Hitachi Energy to design, deliver and commission mobile grid connection by February 2024 to help increase the capacity and reach of the mine's power grid.

The solution will provide the mine with maximum deployment flexibility, allowing it to quickly move the grid connection to wherever it is needed. Digitally enabled, the network connection will transmit real-time data to the control center for fast, informed data entry, analysis, and decision-making.

The solution builds on Hitachi Energy's installed base of more than 400 mobile grid connections delivered to utilities, transmission system operators and industries worldwide.

Hitachi Energy will also design and deliver a permanent gas-insulated grid connection, which will connect to the national transmission grid to expand the mine's power capacity.