In support of Nevada’s carbon-reduction objectives and in partnership with Gov. Steve Sisolak’s administration, Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) — the joint venture between Barrick Gold Corp. (61.5%) as the operator and Newmont Corp. (38.5%) — approved the conversion of its TS Coal Power Plant to a dual fuel process, allowing the facility to generate power from natural gas. This conversion will enable the facility to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 50%, according to the company. NGM is currently working with the state on final permitting to allow construction to begin near the end of 2020, with the goal of final commissioning in the second quarter of 2022.
As part of its overall Energy Management Strategy, NGM is also reviewing the potential for a 200-megawatt solar facility with battery storage. The intention is to phase construction, initially installing 100 MW that could produce power as early as 2022. A study is currently under way, and once the project is approved, NGM will work with the state and the Office of Energy on permitting.
NGM has two power generation facilities in northern Nevada with the TS Power Plant in Dunphy and the Western 102 Power Plant outside of Reno. The TS Power Plant commenced operation in 2008 and has a capacity of 215 MW power generation from its original coal-fired process. The Western 102 Power Plant has a capacity of 115 MW, supplying power from natural gas fired generators and a 1-MW Solar Facility.
