October 31, 2013 – As the mining industry grows into more remote areas, the percentage of mines that generate their own power will increase, says Navigant Research, adding that while less than 0.1% of power consumed by the industry is generated from renewable energy today, the worldwide market for renewable energy systems in this industry will grow to $3.9 billion in 2022.

“The mining industry has clearly reached a tipping point, with a growing consensus that renewable energy at mine sites—both grid-tied and off-grid—is doable and, in many cases, desirable,” said Kerry-Ann Adamson, research director with Navigant. “Renewable energy developers are realizing that mining companies need solutions, not just technology.”

Of the renewable energy technologies in which the mining industry is investing, wind power is the technology nearest to eliciting wide-scale adoption, says Navigant. A number of mines are already utilizing large-scale wind power, but these sites were chosen based on extreme needs and/or ideal wind characteristics; over the next two to three years, according to Navigant, mining companies will begin deploying wind power for broader use rather than considering it only on a case-by-case basis.