Technology group Wärtsilä has expanded its longstanding Operations and Maintenance (O&M) agreement with QIT Madagascar Minerals S.A. (QMM), a subsidiary of the Rio Tinto group, to include a groundbreaking Decarbonisation Agreement. This new arrangement, announced in June 2024, is set to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of QMM’s 24 MW engine power plant located at the ilmenite mineral sands mine in Fort Dauphin, south-eastern Madagascar.
The Decarbonisation Agreement represents a significant advancement in energy sector offerings, integrating Wärtsilä’s GEMS Digital Energy Platform to optimize the microgrid’s assets. This includes advanced management of renewable energy sources, which is expected to lower emissions and generate substantial cost savings.
Key aspects of the agreement involve the refined operation of QMM’s six Wärtsilä 32 engines alongside the company’s battery energy storage and renewable assets. Wärtsilä’s GEMS software, powered by machine learning, will facilitate enhanced energy generation and maximize the use of renewable resources.
Jean-Francois Richer, Director of Integrated Operational Services at QMM, expressed enthusiasm about the renewal, stating, “Our O&M Agreement with Wärtsilä has been in effect since 2008, and their performance has been exemplary. The extended agreement will leverage Wärtsilä’s expertise in power system optimization to enhance our use of renewable energy, aligning with Rio Tinto’s decarbonisation goals and sustainable mining vision.”
The hybrid power plant not only supports the mining operations but also provides electricity to the nearby town of Fort Dauphin.
Christoffer Ek, Director of Decarbonisation Services at Wärtsilä Energy, highlighted the benefits of the agreement, noting, “Our Decarbonisation Agreement elevates energy optimization, delivering cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and improved efficiency. This partnership is structured around outcome-based incentives, setting a new standard for achieving decarbonized operations.”
Kenneth Engblom, Vice President for Africa & Europe at Wärtsilä Energy, added, “This agreement reinforces our enduring partnership with QMM. We are committed to supporting their operations through both our advanced technology and regional service network, ensuring a dependable and sustainable power supply for the mine.”
Related topics:
