SunMine means bright future for sunny resort city
Kimberley, BC
KIMBERLEY, BC, July 29, 2015 /CNW/ - The City of Kimberley is pleased to announce that
SunMine is commercially operational. The 1.05 MW (megawatt)
solar project is B.C.'s first grid-connected solar facility, as
well as being Canada's largest
project to use solar trackers.
SunMine consists of 4,032 solar-cell modules mounted on 96
trackers which follow the suns movement, thereby maximizing solar
exposure. The German-engineered trackers provide as much as
38% more energy than a fixed system. The trackers capitalize
on the electricity generated during the morning and evening, peak
demand times when BC Hydro has the greatest need for electricity
and pays a premium for it.
Production data since June
22nd confirms that the energy being generated by
the SunMine is exceeding the modeled design potential.
According to Kimberley Mayor
Don McCormick, "SunMine is a great
example of the resiliency of our community. We are thriving
and pursuing new and innovative directions. Although SunMine is the
largest solar facility in BC, it is relatively small. As the
SunMine proves its potential, the City of
Kimberley is looking to expand it and have already had
several inquiries from prospective partners." SunMine is
supplying enough electricity to the BC Hydro grid to power
approximately 200 homes.
"SunMine is a symbol of Kimberley's commitment to the
environment. When Kimberley's mineral resources were
depleted, we took advantage of our solar potential and developed a
new resource which is renewable," said Scott Sommerville, Chief Administrative Officer
for the City of Kimberley. Kimberley receives the most sunshine in B.C.
(over 300 days per year), and the community-owned SunMine is well
suited to capitalize on these clear and sunny conditions.
"Innovative, private clean energy projects have helped power
B.C. since the 1980s and are a cornerstone of B.C.'s energy
policy," said Minister Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines. "The
Sun Mine project has the potential to spur interest in development
of other solar projects, bringing more jobs and economic benefits
to communities across B.C."
Teck provided use of the land and site infrastructure as well as
a $2 million contribution towards the
project. SunMine is located on Teck's former Sullivan Mine site,
which has been fully reclaimed.
"Participating in SunMine reflects both Teck's commitment to
supporting local communities, even after mining has ceased, and our
focus on expanding the use of alternative energy," said
Don Lindsay, President and CEO of
Teck. "We're proud to be contributing to the long-term prosperity
of Kimberley and commend the City
for their entrepreneurial spirit."
The City of Kimberley
gratefully acknowledges the support of Columbia Basin Trust and the
Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust and the Province's
$1 million contribution through the
Innovative Clean Energy Fund.
The SunMine project was conceived and supported by the
Vancouver-based EcoSmart
Foundation. "I'm extremely pleased that SunMine's initial operation
confirms the expected performance benefits of the project's
innovative design," said EcoSmart CEO Michel de Spot. "Solar energy
is one of the fastest growing industries in North America and its potential in BC is
exceptional. EcoSmart is proud to have collaborated with Teck and
Kimberley on this innovative
project."
More information on the project can be found at
www.sunmine.ca
Fast Facts
SunMine is:
- A 1.05 megawatt solar power plant constructed on the former
site of Canada's largest
underground mine within City limits.
- The first large-scale solar facility in Canada to use solar trackers.
- The first re-development of a former mine site into a solar
facility in Canada.
- The first large-scale solar photo-voltaic facility developed,
owned, and operated by a Canadian municipality.
- The first grid-connected solar facility in British Columbia.
- The first installation 1000V DC solar installation outside of
Ontario.
- The highest altitude solar facility in Canada at 1,200 M.
- SunMine trackers optimize solar exposure in two dimensions, and
sense loads to shed snow and wind.
SOURCE City of Kimberley