Sukha Balka Mine (Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro region), part of Aleksandr Yaroslavsky’s DCH Group, has launched a project to build a solar power plant at Frunze Mine.
As reported in DCH Steel’s corporate newspaper on Thursday, due to a constant shortage of generating capacity and restrictions on electricity consumption, the mine’s management decided to build its own power generation facilities.
“In June of this year, we plan to commission a power plant that will use an alternative source and provide electricity to Frunze mine. The power plant will have a capacity of 2 MW. While the design of the plant and the purchase of equipment are underway, construction has already begun at the mine,” said Igor Piltek, Deputy General Director and Chief Engineer of the mine.
According to him, a site for the installation of solar panels measuring about two hectares has already been prepared, and the surface has been planned. To build the power plant, it is necessary to install 2,740 solar panels.
The solar power plant will operate autonomously. According to forecasts, the equipment should pay for itself in four years.
Earlier, the Chief Engineer reported that energy-efficient projects are being implemented at the mine, in particular, the construction of a 2 MW solar power plant has begun, which is scheduled to be commissioned in the second quarter of 2025.
Sukha Balka mine is one of the leading mining companies in Ukraine. It produces iron ore by underground mining. The mine includes Yubileynaya and Frunze mines.
DCH Group acquired the mine from Evraz Group in May 2017.