SHYFTinc says it has recently established a new technology initiative with Rentricity that will bring Rentricity’s innovative electricity production from gravity-fed or pressurised water pipelines fed directly into mines.

Rentricity has successfully implemented its renewable energy in-pipe hydro within the drinking water industry since 2010.  It is now turning its attention to mining operations with large water flows that offset electricity costs with the MinetricitySM product line, the company said.

“We are excited about the prospects of working with SHYFTinc and addressing multiple applications within mine water distribution,” Frank Zammataro, CEO and Co-founder of Rentricity, said. “SHYFTinc brings both a deep understanding of the mining environment and existing partners with the ability to execute sustainable microgrids within mines.”

Tyler Samson, President of SHYFTinc, said: “The MinetricitySM products provide multiple solutions in a mining environment. The products can be installed in the mine’s water distribution piping from 4 in (102 mm) to 36 in diameters and mimic the function of pressure reducing valves.”

This adds value in a couple of ways, according to Samson. “Usually, the energy in those valves produces heat in what’s already a hot environment; we can turn the pressure into power instead,” he said

In-pipe hydro energy recovery within water distribution networks is proven, reliable, and cost effective, according to SHYFTinc.

“The technology is simple yet elegant,” the company said. It uses traditional and proven pumps as turbines with advanced controls to manage pressure while creating clean electricity.

The clean, renewable electricity is then used for powering systems in the immediate area of the mine, or can be easily integrated into a mine’s electrical system, or stored on energy storage systems for back-up purposes, according to the company.

“Rentricity brings proven equipment and first-class experience for addressing water pipeline,” Samson says.

He added: “Supporting the on-site generation of clean electricity will become a best practice that will elevate the Canadian mining industry to a higher standard of sustainability.”

SHYFTinc will be aligning with its INOVINTA team at BESTECH Engineering to provide a full design, installation and support package, the company said.