The global energy crisis has its roots in the Industrial Revolution, where the widespread use of coal and other fossil fuels helped fuel economic growth and lift billions of people out of poverty. However, heavy reliance on fossil fuels also results in large emissions of greenhouse gases, which exacerbate global warming and climate change.

In recent years, rapid growth in emerging economies such as China and India has fuelled energy demand and exacerbated the global energy crisis. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy demand is expected to grow by almost 40% by 2040.

At the same time, the world’s limited supply of fossil fuels is depleting, putting additional pressure on the global energy system. In a recent statement, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said: “The world is facing unprecedented energy challenges. Continued dependence on fossil fuels is unsustainable and we must act now to move towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy transition for the energy future.”

The global energy crisis has far-reaching consequences affecting the economy, society, and the environment. High energy costs put pressure on household budgets and increase income inequality. In addition, the use of fossil fuels causes air and water pollution that threatens public health and the environment. To combat the global energy crisis, there is a growing consensus that the world needs to transition to a more sustainable energy system based on renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and water. The global transition to renewable energy has already begun, and investment in renewable energy has grown rapidly in recent years. Investments in renewable energy reached $282 billion in 2017, up from $131 billion in 2007, according to the 21st Century Renewable Energy Policy Network (REN21).

However, the transition to a sustainable energy system is not without challenges. In many countries, the lack of political will and the influence of powerful fossil fuel interests are holding back the transition to renewable energy. In addition, many developing countries lack the infrastructure and resources to invest in renewable energy. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently spoke at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25): “The energy transition is imperative for everyone, everywhere. The longer we wait, the more you need, and the more it will cost you. We must act now.”

Although the world is in a power crisis, some companies are trying to make the generation of power, much more efficient, cleaner, and effective at an industrial level which will then translate to the domestic level. USP&E is one of those companies. USP&E has been working in various places in the world for the last 20 years, USP&E has a lot of experience working in remote areas of the world that do have much power. USP&E offers mines and other industrial establishments many options for power generation, from natural gas, solar, thermal solutions, and hybrid. USP&E is to assist and improve the state of your industrial power plant.

In conclusion, the global energy crisis is a growing challenge in the 21st century. As the demand for energy increases and the limited supply of fossil fuels depletes, it is clear that the world must transition to a more sustainable energy system based on renewable resources. Transformation requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and citizens, requiring investment, innovation, and political will. The stakes are high, but the future benefits of cleaner, more sustainable energy are worth the effort.

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Hydrogen is an energy carrier, which means it can store energy like a battery. However, unlike batteries, hydrogen can store energy for long periods, making it ideal for seasonal storage. In addition, hydrogen can be produced from several different sources, including water, natural gas, and biomass. This means it can be produced from renewable resources, making it a clean and sustainable energy solution.

One of the most important applications of hydrogen in the energy transition is fuel cells. A fuel cell is a device that uses hydrogen to produce electricity and heat through chemical reactions. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, fuel cells produce only water and heat as by-products, making them an ideal solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Fuel cells are used in a variety of applications, including vehicles, power generation, and energy storage systems.

Another use of hydrogen in the energy transition is the production of ammonia. Ammonia is used in agriculture as a fertilizer and to produce other chemicals. By using hydrogen to produce ammonia, we can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of conventional fertilizers and chemicals. This is because hydrogen is produced from renewable sources such as wind and solar, thus reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

As previously stated hydrogen has taken the world by storm and a lot of companies are starting to replace traditional thermal solutions to now hydrogen solutions. USP&E is a company at the forefront of leading the energy transition to hydrogen. With sustainable hydrogen solutions, USP&E is setting new energy transition standards for a decarbonized future. For design engineering, EPC, operational readiness, and commissioning USP&E offers a full range of EPC and O&M services and support capabilities.

USP&E is working to integrate hydrogen-powered thermal plans coupled with solar and wind-powered renewables, which is referred to as “Power-to-X”. In Power-to-X, USP&E is working to design and build power stations that generate “green” hydrogen from renewable energy using PEM electrolysis. Leveraging the latest advances in the P-to-X space, USP&E and our partners are making an important contribution to the global energy transition.

Finally, hydrogen can also be used as a way to store excess energy from renewable sources. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are intermittent, meaning they are not always available when needed. By using hydrogen as a means of storing excess energy, we can ensure that there is always a supply of clean and renewable energy available, even in the absence of sun and wind. In conclusion, hydrogen plays a crucial role in the energy transition. Its ability to store energy, clean and renewable properties, and versatility make it a key solution in the transition to a more sustainable energy system. With continued investment and development, hydrogen has the potential to become an integral part of the energy mix, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the availability of clean and renewable energy.

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An example of fuel efficiency technology is the use of electric or hybrid vehicles in the mining industry. These vehicles use electricity as a power source, resulting in significantly lower emissions and fuel consumption compared to conventional diesel vehicles. A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the global market for electric vehicles used in the mining industry will reach $1.5 billion by 2025. This can not only help reduce the overall carbon emissions of the mining industry but also save mining companies money on fuel costs.

Another fuel efficiency technology gaining popularity in the mining industry is the use of autonomous equipment. Autonomous equipment such as trucks, excavators, and drilling rigs can operate without human intervention, making fuel consumption more efficient. According to a Markets-and-Markets report, the global autonomous mining equipment market was valued at $2.2 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $3.3 billion by 2025.

In addition, mining companies are considering using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to power their operation. A report by the Global Mining Standards and Guidelines Group (GMSG) estimates that by 2040, renewable energy could supply 30 percent of the mining industry’s energy needs. This can significantly reduce the mining industry’s dependence on fossil fuels, which can help reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

In addition, mining companies are exploring the use of data to reduce the risk of downtime and maintenance and improve fuel efficiency in power plants. USP&E Global, a company based in South Africa, has developed SmartPower, a SCADA monitoring software. SmartPower is generator monitoring software that not only provides real-time performance data but also facilitates predictive maintenance. This allows engineers to get a digital overview of their power plant and which engine components are working efficiently. SmartPower uses predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to assess the health and efficiency of power plants.

Overall, the mining industry can greatly benefit from the adoption of fuel-efficient technologies. These technologies can not only help reduce the environmental impact of mining but also provide mining companies with significant cost savings.

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In the past 10 years, there has been an increase in the use of renewable energy as a means to create a more sustainable society to live in for the years to come. Hence scientists and engineers have been trying to figure how out to use solar energy in a way that is financially feasible for large energy projects such as mines and or power stations. Discover a new take on solar hybrid energy.

How does Solar energy work? 

The concept of how solar energy works is that it takes light (the heat rays) that strike PV (photovoltaic)  panels on solar panels. The energy captured from the panels is then converted into electricity, which can be used immediately or stored in batteries. 

Different types of solar systems:

• Grid-tied solar panel systems 
• Grid-tied systems 
• Off-grid solar systems 

The problem with conventional solar energy systems and mines 

Mines are large operations that require a lot of energy and cannot afford to have power outages or have a short supply of electricity. The nature of the work on the mines means it would lead to losing money, machines being destroyed, or even the death of employees. Historically speaking, the main problem with implementing renewable energy, particularly solar energy into energy projects is that you cannot rely on them 24 hours a day because the sun is not always available. This problem has led to the invention of hybrid solar systems. 

What are hybrid solar systems? 

Hybrid solar systems are systems that do not rely on solar alone. In hybrid systems, your solar panels are still connected to the grid’s power lines or generator and you have a backup battery system to store excess power. The energy absorbed by the solar panels from the sun is converted into usable electricity by an inverter. Electricity is then routed to your mine, your battery, or the grid. 

What are the pros and cons of a Hybrid solar system? 

Pros  

• They are lower maintenance.   
• They offer mines a more financial beneficial situation when it comes to using electricity electricity off peak times  
• Offers reliable energy.
• Lower fuel costs over time as energy load is devided between solar and fossil fuels.

Cons 

• Solar batteries need regular replacing and maintenance.
• High start-up costs.

USP&E Global has over 20 years of hybrid experience for mines world wide

At USP&E we offer a multitude of hybrid solutions such as but not limited to solar EPC, hybrid equipment, HFO generators, diesel generators, natural gas generators and operation and maintenance on solar and hybrid systems.

Click here for more information on our solar hybrid options.

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At USP&E, we excel in the energy industry and believe we can meet your needs. Whether you require a require sustainable solutions, or a partner to help you reach your goals in the corporate word, we are here to help.

USP&E is a Celina-based company that works in alternative and renewable energy, power station engineering, procurement, construction, operations and maintenance and emergency service for mission critical applications worldwide.

As a full-service energy solutions provider, USP&E specializes in diesel, natural gas, HFO and renewable power station engineering. It is the goal of the company to provide renewable and affordable energy by way of sun, wind, biomass and waste. Renewable and Sustainable Solutions include photo-voltaic panels for electricity; solar collectors for hot water and air conditioning as well as concentrated solar, which produces steam and electricity. USP&E can provide renewable solutions to countries worldwide including Algeria, Botswana, Cape Verde Islands, Egypt, Mauritius and Morocco.

We believe our results speak louder than words. The world’s most respected companies have selected USP&E as their preferred energy partner. We are a proven thermal and renewable energy equipment, engineering, procurement, and operations supplier in Africa, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. With years of experience managing energy assets in Africa for industrial and corporate customers, we are the only power station supplier, EPC & operator with on-the-ground experience. Our promise to our clients is twofold: Extreme Ownership and Speed with Excellence.

Contact us through info@uspeglobal.com and check out our most recent blog posts for more information.

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Through the use of photovoltaic panels, solar energy is gathered throughout the day via photovoltaic cells. Emerging markets, which seek environmentally friendly and renewable solutions, can generate electricity with battery banks at night. This can result in big savings. The solar panels are typically made of silicone crystals, which are extracted from sand. Light energy is taken from the sun and converted into direct current or DC power. They absorb solar energy during the day and can even generate power on a cloudy day through solar irradiance, but not as much as when they’re in direct sunlight.

Diesel generators are the only source of power on site in many remote parts of Sierra Leone. The solar energy market is growing rapidly in emerging markets today. Solar energy may be gaining popularity due to the “green movement,” but this is not new as the technology has been around for more than a century. The first photovoltaic effect began in 1839, while modern technologies were developed in the mid 1950s. Solar panels are continually being improved and are currently achieving efficiencies of over 25%.

Contact us here or email info@uspeglobal.com to find out more and click here see our most recent blog posts.

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USP&E MAINTENANCE PHILOSOPHY ON HFO GENERATORS AND MORE

We understand that the millions of dollars that power plant owners invest in their equipment are often a fraction of their total ownership cost over the project’s lifespan.

 It is highly recommended that a dedicated and experienced O&M specialist manages the service and maintenance of power station assets. This is to ensure energy efficiency and asset life extension are being prioritized, while maintaining a reliable consistency of fuel efficiency. We are able to provide just that!

MAINTENANCE STANDARDS

USP&E offers expertise where it makes sense, so our customers can achieve greater equipment availability, reliability, and overall success. A quality assurance program that includes quality control processes that will pay for itself, will enable us to accomplish this for the benefit of our clients. These processes typically follow global standards that measure quality, such as ISO 9000-2008. These processes were established to ensure that the equipment is maintained according to manufacturer requirements.

USP&E OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE OVERVIEW

Our Environmental Health and Safety Plan details the specific job responsibilities of each employee, as well as documenting the safety, health, and environmental responsibilities.

USP&E maintains a professional documentation department that keeps up-to-date manuals on important tasks and topics for maintaining equipment and providing standards for operations.

Our documentation library includes practices and procedures on topics such as:

• Engine Calibration for Optimal Efficiency
• Calibration of resistance temperature devices
• Maintenance and cleaning of key electrical and mechanical components
• Predictive maintenance and advanced diagnostics

We have extensive training programs that provide great practice for a systematic approach to on-the-job training programs.

If you are interested to find out more or see some of the assets available; be sure to contact us by emailing info@uspowerco.com or view the following incredible assets available right now and many more on our site:

• 32MW new HFO plant with BOP
• 20MW new Wartsila 2032TS HFO plant with BOP
• 38MW new MWM natural gas plant

With your next project let us help you with:

• New Assets
• Used assets
• O&M 
• IPP
• Design and Engineering
• EPC

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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In this rapidly changing world we live in, the global demand for sustainable solutions are increasing on the daily. USP&E has conducted more than 10 years of research with its partners, creating and testing patented and proprietary advanced emission reduction technologies that work well with commercial fuels. Hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions can be reduced by 99% through some of our products. These harmful emissions can lead to health complications, pollution and global warming. We at USP&E are looking into various ways of providing renewable and sustainable solutions through the use of solar, biomass, waste and wind.

Let’s take a look at what Will Gruver, CEO of USP&E, has to say:

Offering renewable energy options to USP&E clients is a step in the right direction. It helps them to lower their total emissions and become a more green operating company. After all, we’re all trying to take baby steps towards the goal of being less dependent on fossil fuels.

At USP&E, our mission is to deliver the most cost-effective and efficient solutions to the world.

Contact us through info@uspeglobal.com to find out more and click here to keep up with our most recent blog posts.

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Hybrid diesel solar generators integrate diesel generators and solar power energy to generate combined power output. This set up presents an amazing off-grid power supply that is very fuel efficient!

In remote areas where the grid is out of reach there can be activities happening that still require reliable power supply. For example, there are factories and plantations whose operations are very dependent on power supply. Diesel generators have been found to be the preferred option. Total dependence on diesel generators, however, slowly strains the pockets of the buyer, as well as suppliers who transport and distribute it. Quite beneficially, these generators alleviate sky-rocketing diesel costs. Read more about USP&E and what we do here.

Solar power generation is effectively limited to daytime when there is sunshine, unlike the diesel generator counter-part. Areas like Southern Africa receive an average of 11 to 13 hours of sunshine per day. Cloud cover also affects the production of solar power. The solar power output is inversely proportional to the amount of cloud cover there is. Solar power coupled to make hybrid diesel solar generators make a marked power contribution. Power output ratios of the diesel generator and solar power can be fine-tuned from 60% to 40% respectively. Where total power requirements for an application are large, saving 40% on diesel fuel can surely be considered beneficial. USP&E can help you save in this way through our reliable generators.

Hybrid diesel solar generators are more than cost savings

Hybrid diesel-solar generators offset the risks of operations halting due to faults that occur when only one power source is used. These generators perform better than one source when both risk and cost factors are considered. In effect, this will reduce the total cost of ownership.

Solar power in itself is a clean source of energy. This means that its integration into hybrid diesel solar generators won’t add to pollution issues.

For further inquiries or assistance, contact us at info@uspeglobal.com

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One of these forms of energy is renewable energy. The most common uses of renewable energy in the mining industry include:

• Wind
• Solar
• Biodiesel
• Geothermal energy
• Hydropower
• Hydrogen and fuel cell energy

For the purposes of this article, our focus will be on solar energy.

The idea of using renewable energy on a mining site, and in this case solar energy, is not a new concept. Over the last ten years, the idea of using solar energy as a hybrid or even as a primary energy source of energy has quickly become an accepted solution for the African mining sector and is becoming the “new normal.”

What is Solar Energy and How does it Work?

Solar energy uses the sun’s radiation to create concentrated solar power or photovoltaic power.

Solar panels also commonly known as photovoltaics, catch the solar energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. The solar panels are made up of small solar cells, which are made from semiconducting materials, such as silicon.

When the sunshine hits this silicon material it causes photons, to knock off free electrons, finally producing a flow of electricity.

Contrary to popular belief is not necessary for the weather to be sunny for the solar panels to capture light, though they work best in sunnier countries and/or locations.

An electric field has to be established for the panels to work. This is done by using other materials such as boron and phosphorous, these materials work together with the silicon to create negative and positive charges. PV cells are made up of monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline.

Solar panels are comprised of the following materials:

• Ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA as a temprature and humidity resistant cover
• A polymer back sheet to regulate temprature
• A glass sheet to protect it from impact
• An aluminium frame
• A junction box as its central system

For a solar panel to produce just one single solar module a significant amount of energy is needed. And this is the case for all stages of solar including; mining, manufacturing, transportation, etc.

Solar Energy in Africa right now

The future of solar energy in Africa has seen great growth over the last few years. The continent has seen growth of over 1.8 GW of new solar installations, with 1.4 GW related to photovoltaic (PV) installation, this has been considered from the 786 MW that had been connected in 2017. In 2016, South Africa had 1,329 MW of installed solar power capacity and this capacity will is expected to reach 8,400 MW by 2030.

To meet changing energy demands, Africa will have to increase their renewable energy penetration. A Group called International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicted that electricity capacity will triple by 2050. With these pressures, a few African countries have started to implement renewable energy solutions and goals. For example:

• Morocco installed a 500MW solar power plant project and plans on sourcing 42 percent of its power from renewable sources.
• South Africa’s De Aar solar energy farm powers 100,000 homes.
• Nigeria’s 30 percent renewable energy target by 2030.
• Senegal recently unveiled its first utility-scale wind farm which will account for 15 percent of the country’s energy mix.

But even with these countries making these innovations in the energy sector and especially in the renewable energy side of the industry, the continent has only installed small amounts of renewable energy capacity, well below the margin recommended by IRENA.

The Adantages of Solar Energy

Low Environmental Impact

Solar energy has reduced the impact on the environment by a substantial amount, compared to fossil fuels. Its greenhouse gas emissions are inconsequential as solar power does not require any fuel combustion. Also, although concentration solar thermal plants (CSP) are inefficient in their water usage depending on the type of technology being used, the necessary technology significantly increases efficiency while photovoltaic (PV) solar cells do not need any water when generating electricity.

Energy Independence

The sun is an abundant material that the earth has, and it shines 24/7, this makes every single country a potential energy producer, this will allow for greater energy independence and security. Solar energy doesn’t only promise to bring security and independence at the national level, but solar panels can be installed on individual homes, providing power that does not depend on being connected to a larger electrical grid.

The Distadvantages of Solar Energy

Intermittency

One of the biggest problems that solar energy technology poses is that energy is only generated while the sun is shining. For example, if we take a look at how the sun shines and its patterns, we only have a few hours of good sunlight. That means night-time and overcast days can interrupt the mining site’s supply of energy, cause a dip in its productivity, resulting in a loss of money. As the global capacity for solar power continues to rise, nations like Japan and other global leaders in solar energy technology are focusing on developing adequate energy storage to deal with this issue.

Land Use

Another concern with solar energy is that it calls for a large about of land, and to get this land would cause damage to plants and wildlife. While solar PV systems can be fixed to already existing structures, larger utility-scale PV systems may require up to 3.5 to 10 acres per megawatt and CSP facilities require anywhere from 4 to 16.5 acres per megawatt. However, the impact can be reduced by placing facilities in low-quality areas or along existing transportation and transmission corridors.

Scarcity of Materials

Most solar technologies call for rare materials in their production which are becoming more scarce. But this is not the problem of CSP technology, rather the primary problem lies in PV technology. And this is not the lack of known reserve, it is rather the fact that the current production, cannot meet the current demand as well as the future demand. Many of the rare materials are by-products of other processes rather than the focus of targeted mining efforts. Recycling PV material and advances in nanotechnology that increase solar-cell efficiency could both help boost supply, but perhaps finding material substitutes that exist in greater abundance could play a role.

An Environmental Downside

The one environmental downside to solar technology is that it contains many of the same hazardous materials as electronics. As solar becomes a more popular energy source, the problem of disposing of hazardous waste becomes an additional challenge. However, assuming the challenge of proper disposal is met, the reduced greenhouse gas emissions that solar energy offers make it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.

With the information that has been provided, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. With this in mind, it would not be viable to use solar energy on your mining site as your only and/or primary use of energy.

Instead of solar-only solutions, other alternative solutions would be HFO, Diesel, Natural Gas, and Hybrid solutions. Various companies have thrived in the sector, for example USP&E. USP&E specializes in hybrid solutions which combine thermal power as baseload with the solar and battery components. Due to the drive towards renewable energy, obtaining funding for these types of plants are easier and in some instances, USP&E has been able to enter into IPP agreements to sell power to the mines on a tariff basis.

USP&E has been involved in power generation and providing thermal solutions to various companies since 2002 and has received nothing but positive client references from many of the world’s most respected companies. USP&E has provided these solutions in the following territories: North America, Dubai, Lebanon, England, Mali, Burkina Faso, Botswana, and Johannesburg.

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