St Barbara is in the process of investigating renewable opportunities for its out-of-action Touquoy gold mine in Nova Scotia.
A feasibility study into a green energy hub at the site set to begin this month between St Barbara subsidiary Atlantic Mining and renewable energy company, Natural Forces.
If the study is successful, Touquoy will likely host a closed-loop pumped hydro energy storage system combined with solar photovoltaic panels.
Closed-loop pumped hydro energy is a proven technology that allows for renewable energy to be stored over long durations while energy supply to the grid is plentiful.
The energy is then dispatched at times when there is a need for generation to respond to fluctuations in variable energy sources to meet demand.
“We are committed to sustainable development and since closing Touquoy have been looking at potential alternative land uses as we move into the mine reclamation phase,” St Barbara managing director and chief executive officer Andrew Strelein said.
“This initiative with Natural Forces is a reflection of our ongoing efforts to deploy innovative solutions in all aspects of our projects, including closure.
“This could be a unique contributor to the renewables-based electricity supply objectives of Nova Scotia with an important and significant source of stored energy.”
A conceptual design of the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“We are optimistic about this project’s feasibility,” Natural Forces director Robert Apold said.
“It champions innovative solutions here at home and aligns with our mission to harness natural resources for the economic benefit and environmental future of Nova Scotian communities.”
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