Survey Research of Integrating Renewable Energy into the Mining Industry
Abstract
Mining operations are energy intensive. The share of energy costs in total share is often reported to be in the range of 30 %. Saving energy costs is therefore an economical key element of any mine operator. With the improving reliability and security of renewable energy (RE) sources, and the requirements to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, perspectives for using RE in mining operations emerge. In fact, these aspects are stimulating the mining companies to search for ways to substitute fossil energy with RE. Survey research is novel on this topic. Hereby, this paper estimates the data of a survey conducted among mining and renewable energy experts. Towards the data estimation, this study applies the following methods. Here, first, to develop the survey we summarized and reviewed the findings from the previous literature reviews. Secondly, using the systematic literature review method three hypotheses have been developed. Thirdly, to compare outcomes of the survey with literature review the evaluating hypothesis method have been developed and applied. Consequently, the results gather the expert’s knowledge and opinions on incentives for mining operators to turn to RE, barriers and challenges to be expected, environmental effects, appropriate business models and the overall impact of RE on mining operations. In addition, the outcomes of the survey allow for identifying the factors that favor and disfavor decision-making on the use of RE in mining operations.