Suppliers sought for Kimberley’s SunMine in call for RFQ

Teck's Stiles Substation in Kimberley is part of the grid that would be used to transport electricity generated from the sun.

The City of Kimberley, Teck Resources Limited and the EcoSmart Foundation Inc. are collaborating on the development of the SunMine, the first industrial grid-connected solar energy plant in British Columbia, proposed on the site of the former Sullivan mine in Kimberley.

The project is now entering the detailed engineering phase to establish the final design, full costing and scheduling. Engineering consultants, suppliers and contractors are invited to submit an expression of interest outlining their qualifications for providing goods and services to the SunMine project. A Request For Qualifications (RFQ) will be used to pre-qualify interested parties to participate in a subsequent Request For Proposals (RFP). If the design and costs are favourable to the project budget and objectives, the project will move to implementation. This phased process is designed to assure sound, fiscally responsible decisions.

The potential outcomes of SunMine include generation of clean energy, effective use of a mine site post-mine closure, creation of jobs and business opportunities, fostering research and development and training of highly qualified personnel.

A modified competition process will maximize opportunities for western suppliers; promoting access to new technologies, business innovation, and participation of western companies in global supply chains. Kimberley has the highest annual solar irradiation in BC and is amongst the sunniest places in Canada.

Should SunMine proceed, it has the potential to become a center for research and development in solar technologies and their application to the mining industry. 

To view the full RFQ, please visit the “Participate” tab at sunmine.org.

The deadline for submissions is 12 a.m., July 29, 2013. For more information contact Michel de Spot or Kevin Wilson.