Access to the Moose River Gold Mines
Image: ProjectHorizons, Wikimedia Commons
From pv magazine ESS news place
Australian mining company St Barbara has announced that its Nova Scotia-based arm Atlantic Mining will work with Natural Forces, an independent energy producer specializing in renewable energy sources, to explore repurposing the Touqoy gold mine.
The duo wants to convert the mine site into a closed pumping system for hydropower storage in combination with photovoltaic solar panels.
The first step is to conduct a feasibility study. This will begin later this month, with the first conceptual design by the end of the year.
“We are optimistic about the feasibility of this project,” said Robert Apold, director at Natural Forces. “It champions innovative solutions here at home and aligns with our mission to leverage natural resources for the economic benefit and environmental future of Nova Scotia communities.”
The team is trying to set up a closed system that pumps water from the open lake to an on-site reservoir for water storage, ready for hydropower generation when the water is pumped back to the open well if necessary. Energy is stored until it is needed, relieving pressure on the electricity grid.
If the concept is viable, the companies have promised to involve the local community in any proposed developments. Natural Forces, which currently has approximately 300 MW of operational renewable energy projects in Canada, has community partnerships in many of the countries in which it operates. In addition to Canada, it has offices in Ireland and France.
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