Solar test site launched in Kimberley

The City of Kimberley and the EcoSmart Foundation Inc. have announced the launch of the SunMine project, a solar energy test program located at the former concentrator site of the Sullivan mine in Kimberley.

SunMine has been jointly developed by Kimberley, EcoSmart (a non-profit organization based in Vancouver), and Teck Resources Limited, the former operator of the Sullivan mine and owner of the industrial site.

The project’s short-term objective is to build a one-megawatt peak (MWp) solar power plant and power system that demonstrates both the feasibility of solar power in B.C. and the benefits of reusing the former mine’s existing industrial infrastructure.

The first phase of the test project has been launched with the installation of two sets of test solar panels at the site as part of the investigation into the feasibility of a large grid-connected photovoltaic solar power plant. The panels will allow the collection of site-specific solar data and comparison and validation of the historical and currently collected solar data at the Canadian Rockies International Airport. The test program will also compare traditional fixed solar panels to an innovative system that tracks the sun’s movement in the sky.

“Redeveloping a former mine site into a ‘bright field’ will bring considerable benefits to the City of Kimberley and the regional economy as a whole,” said Jim Ogilvie, Mayor of Kimberley. “The test site is the first step in confirming that we have the resources we believe we do. The next step will be the development of the 1MWp solar power plant, which will establish Kimberley as an emerging player in the clean energy industry.”

Research and development

Thirty years of data collected at the nearby airport indicates the region is a hot spot with one of the highest solar intensities in Canada. Furthermore, using the former industrial site’s existing infrastructure, such as transmission lines and roads, will help to reduce the ancillary costs of the solar power plant. The use of solar modules and power equipment produced in B.C. will also support the local economy and create an international showcase for B.C. clean tech capabilities.

“Teck is pleased to participate in the SunMine project as part of our efforts to support the City of Kimberley,” said John Thompson, vice-president of technology and development at Teck. “The project will also provide us with a first look at solar power and how it may help us achieve our long-term goal of increasing the use of renewable energy in our operations.”

“The project is a great example of collaboration between a municipality and a mining company in the development of renewable energy and the redevelopment of a former mine site,” said Michel de Spot of EcoSmart. “It is a good model that could be reproduced in many similar locations in B.C. and other mining operations throughout the world.”