CHP Plant Supplies Power to Mining Facilities And Villages

Polyus Gold is one of the world’s largest gold producers. Because the delivery of diesel fuel to the operations is expensive, Polyus uses crude oil, the local energy resource, in place of diesel fuel to power its operations. Polyus’ power generation needs were twofold: they needed enough power to mine gold, and they needed to provide heat for the surrounding residential settlements and facilities. At the end of 2008, a crude oil-powered combined heat and power (CHP) plant was commissioned by Polyus. The 17.2 MW CHP plant, run by four Cat® 3616 generator sets rated at 4.3 MW, is the first power plant in Russia to run on crude oil. The Cat generator sets being used there were specifically designed to operate on crude oil, and in turn provide Polyus with high output and reliability at a low operating cost. Power generation for Polyus is now easier and more cost-efficient with Cat engine technology and VT service support. The CHP plant significantly reduces the cost of generated power while at the same time improving its quality. All systems are highly automated, which makes it possible to operate the CHP plant with a staff of 30. The CHP plant is supplying reliable electrical and heat power to the mining facilities as well as to the surrounding village.