GoviEx Uranium has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Windiga Energy that could see the company’s flagship Madaouela project in Niger use a dedicated and renewable hybrid solar power solution.

Initial discussions and collaboration between the company and Windiga will target energy solutions for Madaouela with the intent to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20,000 t/y and provide sustainable, renewable power at approximately 25% lower cost than traditional coal-fired options currently available in Niger, GoviEx said.

GoviEx Chairman, Govind Friedland, said: “We are pleased to begin exploring cleaner energy alternatives to power our future development activities in partnership with Windiga.”

The company has requested that Windiga determine the feasibility of a solution to power the Madaouela project and the surrounding local community through a hybrid power plant combining photovoltaic solar panels and diesel generators, with total installed capacity of at least 20 MW.

Under the terms of the MOU, following a favourable result from a feasibility study, GoviEx will have an opportunity to negotiate a power purchase agreement for the priority supply of electricity for an initial term of 21 years, extendible at the request of GoviEx.

Windiga is Canadian energy developer focused on developing, owning and operating renewable energy facilities and off-grid smart power systems on the African continent.

The proposed base case for Madaouela envisages a 2.69 Mlb/y U3O8 yellowcake production rate, a 93.7% ultimate recovery and an 18-year mine life. Initial capital costs were estimated at $359 million, with total life of mine capital costs at $676 million, cash operating costs of $24.49/lb U3O8 excluding royalties, and $31.49/lb U3O8 including royalties.