AGGREKO that it was one of the largest renewable microgrids in the world .
Power scale is a factor ; if the loads get too high , nearing 30MW , then a lot of trucks are required as well as increased gas storage on site which means an increase in capital . “ At this point it may make more sense to build pipeline infrastructure to the station , so it ’ s very situation dependent .”
Amid the transition from diesel to gas , renewables will continue to grow in stature , and batteries will reduce emissions further . But access to gas can be a challenge .
“ Not many mines have good access to pipelines , which traditionally has been a barrier to considering gas as a cost effective option . However , we are seeing a trend where there are now more options available in the market to liquefying and transporting gas from the nearest pipeline ,” said Whyte . Global knowledge at local level The advantage of global companies is when entering countries which may not be as developed , you can take established clean energy policies and commitments into these regions , added George Whyte , Managing Director , Australia Pacific and Global Mining Sector Leader at Aggreko .
“ We are definitely the only true global company operating across all continents . We apply global standards to mines , regardless of the country ,” he said .
The company has seen rising demand in Africa , South and North America . It ’ s not only new mines which keeps Aggreko busy – mine expansions as well as scaling down a mine ’ s power needs is also important .
“ There is an increasing trend , and definitely those running on diesel are looking to run on gas ,” he said .
Aggreko is looking at alternate fuels , and as they become readily available , it will look
EXECUTIVE BIO
ROD SAFFY
TITLE : GLOBAL HEAD OF MINING INDUSTRY : MINING LOCATION : GREATER SYDNEY AREA
Rod Saffy is the Global Head of
Mining for Aggreko . Rod started with Aggreko in 2013 as an Area General Manager in the AusPac region , before quickly climbing the ranks to his current global position with the company . He is a business management professional with extensive experience in sales leadership , project management and engineering . Having managed some extremely large teams of more than 250 employees , Rod has developed a high level of skill in people management , business and strategic management , sector deployment , complex matrix management and high performing teams .
With a Masters Degree in Engineering Business Management , and having worked for such companies as General Electric and Moog in previous roles , Rod has a strong background in the mining industry . His knowledge and experience are deeply ingrained , and he brings a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities of the mining sector to each project he engages in .