Executive summary

Syrah Resources has reached full operations on a hybrid solar and battery system at its Balama Graphite Operations in Mozambique. The system combines an 11.25 MWp solar photovoltaic array with an 8.5 MW/MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Solarcentury Africa designed the system, selected contractors and equipment, structured the contracts, and arranged project funding.

Syrah Resources has brought a hybrid solar and battery system into full operation at its Balama Graphite Operations in Mozambique.

Solarcentury Africa designed the system and was responsible for selecting contractors and equipment, structuring the contracts and arranging funding. The company invited CrossBoundary Energy to provide funding for the project.

The hybrid system combines an 11.25 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) array with an 8.5 MW/MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The system is expected to provide more than 35% of the mine's total power demand.

The Balama operation is an off-grid mining site. According to Solarcentury Africa, the project will reduce diesel consumption and carbon emissions while generating savings for Syrah Resources.

Jason De Carteret, CEO of Solarcentury Africa, said the company acted as Syrah Resources' renewable energy partner and handled the design, contractor and equipment selection, contract structuring and funding arrangements.

Agnaldo Laice, Director and General Manager of Syrah Resources Mozambique, said the completed system is delivering the expected and projected results.

Solarcentury Africa is a renewable energy developer headquartered in the UK and has more than 10 years of experience operating in Africa. The company develops solar PV and energy storage projects in sub-Saharan Africa and is part of the BB Energy Group.