The world's 'single largest' gold producing complex, Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) will source 260 MW DC of solar PV modules from US module manufacturer First Solar, Inc to power its new 200 MW AC facility in Nevada.
A joint venture between Barrick Gold Corporation and Newmont Corporation, NGM aims for the solar energy from 200 MW AC facility to help it cover 17% of its annual electricity needs to power the complex that produces around 3.5 million ounces of gold per year.
According to Barrick, the 200 MW AC project will be realized in 2 phases, with construction on site to begin in Q3/2022. The solar power plant is aligned with NGM's goal to bring down its carbon emissions by 20% by 2025. Part of the plan is also to convert its coal fired power plant to natural gas.
""The solar power plant will complement the transition of NGM's coal power plant to a dual fuel process, which will enable it to generate electricity from natural gas, reducing carbon emissions by as much as 50 percent," said Barrick Group Sustainability Executive Grant Beringer.
Touting the company's Made in America credentials, First Solar's Chief Commercial Officer Georges Antoun stated, "NGM is part of a growing wave of customers that are unwilling to compromise on quality or their principles, and choose to partner with First Solar. They partnered with us because we can deliver a high-performance module that comes without the social, environmental, and political risks that are, unfortunately, associated with too many solar manufacturers today."
Booked before First Solar released its Q4/2021 financial results in February 2022, the order will be completed by the company in Q2/2023 from its Ohio fab. This is the 3rd module supply order news First Solar has shared in the last 3 days with the previous 2 being Origis Energy's 750 MW DC and Silicon Ranch's 4 GW DC contracts (see First Solar Bags 4.75 GW DC Module Orders).