
The full system, including Cat photovoltaic (PV) solar modules and the Cat microgrid master controller (MMC), will be used to reduce reliance on a heavy fuel oil power plant currently used to power the mining facility.
Barloworld is supplying engineering, procurement and construction services for the project. Installation of the system is under way, with the completion of the project expected in early 2018.
“As one of the largest solar installations in Namibia, the facility at the Otjikoto mine will help us to leverage a plentiful, renewable resource, while improving the quality of life for nearby communities,” B2Gold Namibia MD and country manager Mark Dawe said in a statement.
Caterpillar’s solar PV system is powered by advanced thin-film solar modules that have improved performance over conventional silicon solar panels.
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