Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) require electricity providers to supply a minimum fixed percentage or total quantity of customer load from designated renewable energy resources by a given date. These policies have become increasingly prevalent in the past decade as state governments seek to increase the use of renewable energy sources. As a policy tool, RPS provide a cost-effective, market-based approach for meeting targets which promote greater use of renewable energy in both regulated and deregulated markets. To facilitate the obtainment of Renewable Portfolio Standards, most states allow the trading of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). RECs represent the environmental attributes of renewable energy generation which are decoupled from the generated power. These credits are created along with the generation of renewable energy, decoupled from energy generation, tracked by regional systems, and eventually purchased by retail suppliers to fulfill their RPS obligations. As of April 2010, RPS have been passed into law in 29 states and Washington D.C. and an additional 6 states have non-mandatory renewable portfolio goals however the U.S. government has yet to enact a Federal Renewable Portfolio Standard. Although the final requirements and details of a Federal RPS are undecided, federal standards would be unlikely to preempt or override state programs which are already in place. A key concern regarding the passage of a federal RPS is that a national REC market would result in a shift of wealth from states with few renewable energy resources and limited resource potential to regions richer in renewable resources. Because of the implications that a federal renewable portfolio standard would have on the economy, the environment, and the equitable treatment of all the states, many issues and concerns must be resolved before federal standards will be passed into law. A theoretical case study for an electric utility generation planning decision that includes obligations to meet Renewable Portfolio Standard is presented here. A framework is provided that allows decision makers and strategic planning teams to: assess their business situation, identify objectives of generation planning, determine the relative weights of the objectives, recognize tradeoffs, and create an efficient portfolio using Portfolio Theory. The case study follows the business situation for Austin Energy as it seeks to meet Texas State RPS and mandates set by Austin City Council and prepares for potential National RPS legislation. / text

The world is currently experiencing major issues in the energy sector. The ever-growing human population, limited energy resources and the effect of greenhouse gas emissions have become major global concerns for the energy sector, including the electricity generation sector. This dilemma caused electricity providers to revise their generation methods and created a major need for consumers to utilise electricity more efficiently. Demand side management (DSM) is one initiative developed for consumers to efficiently utilise electricity. Due to their high electricity consumption and technical skills, mines are ideal targets for the implementation of DSM strategies. Therefore, the focus of this study was to investigate South African mines for possible implementation of DSM strategies on their compressed air networks. Compressed air networks at South African mines are relatively old and inadequately maintained. This causes inefficient distribution and use of compressed air. The study will therefore focus on reconfiguring mining compressed air networks for cost savings. Cost savings include financial savings on electricity bills, implementation costs and decreased maintenance. Through several investigations, the possibility of implementing energy savings strategies to reconfigure the compressed air networks of two South African mines was identified. Reconfiguring the networks would respectively entail interconnecting two shafts and relocating a compressor from an abandoned shaft to a fully productive shaft. Theoretical simulations were developed to determine the networks’ responses to the reconfiguration strategies. The simulations assisted in exposing the viability of implementing the reconfiguration strategies on the respective compressed air networks. Positive responses were obtained from the simulations and proposals were made to the respective mines for possible implementation. The proposed initiatives were implemented on the respective mines’ compressed air networks. After implementation of the interconnection strategy, a consecutive three-month performance assessment period commenced to prove the viability of the proposed savings. An average power saving of 1 700 kW was achieved during the performance assessment period. The proposed initiative to relocate the compressor is currently being implemented. A financial saving of approximately R8.9 million per annum was achieved by implementing the interconnection strategy. The large financial saving was due to the utilisation of the mine’s salvaged equipment. Further savings were achieved by the decreased maintenance on the mine’s compressors. Due to the successful implementation of the interconnection strategy, it is safe to state that cost savings can be achieved by reconfiguring mining compressed air networks. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

M. Tech. (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences), Vaal University of Technology, 2016 / Natural organic matter if not removed from water used for electricity generation has dire consequences that affect the long term plant health. The main problem is that organic matter at higher temperature and pressure disintegrate into smaller organic acids and carbon dioxide. This causes the cycle water and steam to be acidic and this can result in corrosion of the plant. The raw water from the Komati (Arnot power station) and Usutu (Kriel power station) scheme were analysed to determine the organic profile and seasonal variation. There was a noticeable variation in the quality of the water with an increase in DOC during rainy season. The water was found to be containing hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic molecules that could be quantified with a liquid chromatography organic detector (LC-OCD). Current water treatment processes employed at the two stations, Arnot and Kriel, has demonstrated the capability of removing organics to just over 50 percent at the pre-treatment section. The water treatment plant includes demineralisation plant that was able to produce water that met Eskom’s target specifications of less than 250 ppb DOC values. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the steam-condensate water was done by use of an ion chromatography method. The determined organic anions were found to be acetates, formats and lactates.

Este trabalho analisa a possibilidade de plantio sustentável de dendê (Elaeis guineensis) e o uso de sua biomassa residual como combustível em uma usina termelétrica para o provimento de energia elétrica em parte do Sistema Isolado, ao sul do Estado de Roraima. Para isso são conjugadas: a análise financeira, os aspectos sociais e as questões ambientais. Parte-se da definição das áreas necessárias para o plantio do dendê e para a instalação da indústria de extração dos óleos de palma e palmiste, associada a uma usina termelétrica movida à biomassa residual de dendê. Em seguida, procede-se a análise financeira, na qual é considerada a venda dos óleos de palma e de palmiste para a indústria alimentícia e de cosméticos, enquanto a biomassa residual (cachos de frutas vazios, cascas e fibras) é utilizada como combustível um uma usina termelétrica de 10MW de potência. A análise conjunta destas atividades indica que é possível obter uma taxa interna de retorno próxima a 16,71% ao ano e um valor presente líquido de R$ 46,9 milhões quando utilizada uma taxa de desconto de 15% ao ano, para um investimento total de R$ 491,5 milhões. Pelo fato de a região analisada estar localizada no Sistema Isolado, foi incorporado ao fluxo de caixa a sub-rogação dos benefícios da Conta Consumo de Combustível. Além de provar-se economicamente viável, no quesito ambiental, o trabalho realiza uma análise quantitativa da redução de emissões de gases de efeito estufa decorrente da substituição das termelétricas a óleo Diesel prevalentes na região pela biomassa residual do dendê. Tal plantio resulta em uma redução de aproximadamente 444 mil toneladas de CO2, assim como promove a recuperação de 28.888 mil hectares de terras degradadas. A análise social, por sua vez, indica que o plantio de dendê permite que cerca de 2.888 famílias permaneçam próximas às suas terras de origem, trabalhando em atividades apropriadas para o bioma amazônico e com uma geração de renda anual de R$ 5.800 somente com o plantio do dendê. / This study examines the viability of a sustainable project with the production of palm (Elaeis guineensis) to supply oil to food or cosmetic industries and the use of the residual biomass as a biofuel by a power plant. The biofuel side of the project aims the provision of electricity in part of the so called Isolated System, in southern Roraima. The analysis combines a financial approach, with social and environmental concerns. The starting point is the definition of the area size for planting the crop and fitting the assumptions of the industries (palm oil mill and biomass-fired power plant). In the procedures it is considered the palm oil and palm kernel oil sales for the food and cosmetics industries, while the residual biomass (empty fruit bunches, shells and fiber) is used as a fuel in a thermoelectric power plant. The analysis points to an internal rate of return close to 16,7% and a net present value of US$27.6 million, using a discount rate of 15% per year, for an investment of US$ 280 million. In environmental perspective, the quantitative analysis points to the reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases from the displacement of the Diesel powered plants, quite common in the region, by residual biomass powered one. Such displacement results in a reduction of approximately 444 thousand tons of CO2, as well as the recovery of 28,888 hectare of deforested areas. In social perspective, the project allows approximately 2,888 families to remain close to their homeland, working in appropriated activities for the local biome, obtaining US$3,400 per year only with palm plantation.

[pt] Com a assinatura da Lei 11.097 de 13 de Janeiro de 2005, o Biodiesel fica introduzido na matriz energética brasileira. Até o fim de 2007, a mistura deste biocombustível ao diesel mineral, derivado do petróleo, é voluntária pelas distribuidoras de combustíveis. A partir de Janeiro de 2008, todo o óleo diesel será comercializado obrigatoriamente com 2% de Biodiesel misturado e, a partir de 2013 a mistura deverá conter 5% de Biodiesel. O mercado potencial de Biodiesel para esta meta de 2008 é de aproximadamente 800 mil toneladas anuais. Revela-se, portanto, um enorme esforço de todas as esferas interessadas neste mercado: instituições de ensino e pesquisa, agro-indústrias, indústrias ligadas ao setor energético, entre outras, com objetivo de se atingir a meta estipulada pela Lei. Como parte deste esforço, no presente trabalho foram levantados aspectos técnicos, econômicos, sociais e ambientais sobre a implementação do programa de implementação do Biodiesel na matriz energética brasileira, visando identificar os prós e contras da utilização deste biocombustível. Um modelo de análise termodinâmica de uma usina termelétrica foi desenvolvido para descrever o comportamento de motores ciclo diesel de grande porte operando com 4 tipos diferentes de Óleo Combustível e 5 tipos de Biodiesel. / [en] With the Federal Act number 11.097, from January 13, 2005, Biodiesel is introduced in the Brazilian energy matrix. To the end of 2007, a voluntary mixture of this fuel to mineral diesel oil can be prepared by fuel distributors. From January 2008, diesel oil will have to be commercialized with 2% of Biodiesel. This percentage is to be increased to 5% by 2013. The goal for 2008 means, approximately, 800 thousand ton of Biodiesel annually. All parts involved, universities, research institutes, agro business and energy industries, among others, have been putting a great deal of effort to meet the target set by Federal Government. The present work is a small contribution to this effort. Technical, economical, social and environmental aspects of the problem have been taking into account in the present study, in order to identify pros and cons of the utilization of Biodiesel. A simple thermodynamic model of a thermal-electric power plant was developed to predict the behavior of a large capacity diesel engine operating with conventional fuel (four different types of fuel oil) and with Biodiesel.

Esta tese propõe uma metodologia para avaliar o emprego de técnicas de seleção e conversão da radiação solar para aumentar a produção de energia elétrica de células fotovoltaicas. Foi feita uma revisão dos mecanismos fotovoltaicos para produção de energia elétrica e os entraves para aumentar sua eficiência, em especial os impactos da temperatura e da absorção do espectro solar. Uma metodologia foi criada para definir um filtro óptico ótimo a ser utilizado em uma região na presença ou não de conversão do espectro, através de simulações computacionais, que define a faixa do espectro solar que deve ser absorvida pela célula para se ter o melhor equilíbrio entre absorção e aquecimento. Um modelo matemático foi criado e implementado computacionalmente, para calcular a produção de energia de um módulo fotovoltaico, em uma dada região com ou sem a aplicação de técnicas de conversão e seleção da radiação solar. Através de um estudo de caso com dados da cidade de Petrolina, PE, Brasil, concluiu-se que o ganho esperado para utilização de um filtro óptico que reflete ondas de comprimento superiores a 1000 nm é cerca de 1% da energia gerada. Ensaios empíricos permitiram validar a metodologia proposta, comparando os dados reais com os dados teóricos obtidos pelas simulações do modelo matemático. Após a calibração do modelo matemático, verificou-se que os resultados de potência instantânea calculados com o modelo matemático variavam cerca de 5% tanto para o módulo com filtro quanto para o módulo sem filtro. Para contornar a restrição construtiva do filtro óptico e verificar outros ganhos possíveis são propostos experimentos com compostos de conversão de radiação solar associados com filtros ópticos para seleção da radiação solar. Com isto, espera-se aumentar significativamente a produção de energia elétrica de células fotovoltaicas de Silício cristalino. / This thesis proposes a methodology to evaluate the use of solar radiation selection and conversion techniques to increase the production of electric energy of photovoltaic solar cells. A review of the photovoltaic mechanisms for the production of electrical energy and the obstacles to increase its efficiency, especially the impacts of temperature and the absorption of the solar spectrum was done. A methodology was developed to define an optimal optical filter to be used in a region in the presence or not of solar spectrum conversion, through computational simulations, which defines the range of the solar radiation that must be absorbed by the cell in order to have the best balance between absorption and heating. A mathematical model was created and implemented computationally to calculate the energy production of a photovoltaic module in a given region with or without the application of solar radiation conversion and selection techniques. A case study with data from the city of Petrolina, PE, Brazil, concluded that the expected gain for the use of an optical filter that reflects wavelengths above 1000 nm is about 1% of the power generated. Empirical tests allowed validating the proposed methodology comparing the actual data with the theoretical data obtained by the simulations of the mathematical model. After calibration of the mathematical model, it was verified that the instantaneous power results calculated with the mathematical model vary about 5% for both the filter module and the unfiltered module. To avoid the constructive constraint of the optical filter and to verify other possible gains are proposed experiments with solar radiation conversion compounds associated with optical filters to select the solar radiation. With this, it is expected to significantly increase the electricity production of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells.

Este trabalho analisa a possibilidade de plantio sustentável de dendê (Elaeis guineensis) e o uso de sua biomassa residual como combustível em uma usina termelétrica para o provimento de energia elétrica em parte do Sistema Isolado, ao sul do Estado de Roraima. Para isso são conjugadas: a análise financeira, os aspectos sociais e as questões ambientais. Parte-se da definição das áreas necessárias para o plantio do dendê e para a instalação da indústria de extração dos óleos de palma e palmiste, associada a uma usina termelétrica movida à biomassa residual de dendê. Em seguida, procede-se a análise financeira, na qual é considerada a venda dos óleos de palma e de palmiste para a indústria alimentícia e de cosméticos, enquanto a biomassa residual (cachos de frutas vazios, cascas e fibras) é utilizada como combustível um uma usina termelétrica de 10MW de potência. A análise conjunta destas atividades indica que é possível obter uma taxa interna de retorno próxima a 16,71% ao ano e um valor presente líquido de R$ 46,9 milhões quando utilizada uma taxa de desconto de 15% ao ano, para um investimento total de R$ 491,5 milhões. Pelo fato de a região analisada estar localizada no Sistema Isolado, foi incorporado ao fluxo de caixa a sub-rogação dos benefícios da Conta Consumo de Combustível. Além de provar-se economicamente viável, no quesito ambiental, o trabalho realiza uma análise quantitativa da redução de emissões de gases de efeito estufa decorrente da substituição das termelétricas a óleo Diesel prevalentes na região pela biomassa residual do dendê. Tal plantio resulta em uma redução de aproximadamente 444 mil toneladas de CO2, assim como promove a recuperação de 28.888 mil hectares de terras degradadas. A análise social, por sua vez, indica que o plantio de dendê permite que cerca de 2.888 famílias permaneçam próximas às suas terras de origem, trabalhando em atividades apropriadas para o bioma amazônico e com uma geração de renda anual de R$ 5.800 somente com o plantio do dendê. / This study examines the viability of a sustainable project with the production of palm (Elaeis guineensis) to supply oil to food or cosmetic industries and the use of the residual biomass as a biofuel by a power plant. The biofuel side of the project aims the provision of electricity in part of the so called Isolated System, in southern Roraima. The analysis combines a financial approach, with social and environmental concerns. The starting point is the definition of the area size for planting the crop and fitting the assumptions of the industries (palm oil mill and biomass-fired power plant). In the procedures it is considered the palm oil and palm kernel oil sales for the food and cosmetics industries, while the residual biomass (empty fruit bunches, shells and fiber) is used as a fuel in a thermoelectric power plant. The analysis points to an internal rate of return close to 16,7% and a net present value of US$27.6 million, using a discount rate of 15% per year, for an investment of US$ 280 million. In environmental perspective, the quantitative analysis points to the reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases from the displacement of the Diesel powered plants, quite common in the region, by residual biomass powered one. Such displacement results in a reduction of approximately 444 thousand tons of CO2, as well as the recovery of 28,888 hectare of deforested areas. In social perspective, the project allows approximately 2,888 families to remain close to their homeland, working in appropriated activities for the local biome, obtaining US$3,400 per year only with palm plantation.

Esta tese propõe uma metodologia para avaliar o emprego de técnicas de seleção e conversão da radiação solar para aumentar a produção de energia elétrica de células fotovoltaicas. Foi feita uma revisão dos mecanismos fotovoltaicos para produção de energia elétrica e os entraves para aumentar sua eficiência, em especial os impactos da temperatura e da absorção do espectro solar. Uma metodologia foi criada para definir um filtro óptico ótimo a ser utilizado em uma região na presença ou não de conversão do espectro, através de simulações computacionais, que define a faixa do espectro solar que deve ser absorvida pela célula para se ter o melhor equilíbrio entre absorção e aquecimento. Um modelo matemático foi criado e implementado computacionalmente, para calcular a produção de energia de um módulo fotovoltaico, em uma dada região com ou sem a aplicação de técnicas de conversão e seleção da radiação solar. Através de um estudo de caso com dados da cidade de Petrolina, PE, Brasil, concluiu-se que o ganho esperado para utilização de um filtro óptico que reflete ondas de comprimento superiores a 1000 nm é cerca de 1% da energia gerada. Ensaios empíricos permitiram validar a metodologia proposta, comparando os dados reais com os dados teóricos obtidos pelas simulações do modelo matemático. Após a calibração do modelo matemático, verificou-se que os resultados de potência instantânea calculados com o modelo matemático variavam cerca de 5% tanto para o módulo com filtro quanto para o módulo sem filtro. Para contornar a restrição construtiva do filtro óptico e verificar outros ganhos possíveis são propostos experimentos com compostos de conversão de radiação solar associados com filtros ópticos para seleção da radiação solar. Com isto, espera-se aumentar significativamente a produção de energia elétrica de células fotovoltaicas de Silício cristalino. / This thesis proposes a methodology to evaluate the use of solar radiation selection and conversion techniques to increase the production of electric energy of photovoltaic solar cells. A review of the photovoltaic mechanisms for the production of electrical energy and the obstacles to increase its efficiency, especially the impacts of temperature and the absorption of the solar spectrum was done. A methodology was developed to define an optimal optical filter to be used in a region in the presence or not of solar spectrum conversion, through computational simulations, which defines the range of the solar radiation that must be absorbed by the cell in order to have the best balance between absorption and heating. A mathematical model was created and implemented computationally to calculate the energy production of a photovoltaic module in a given region with or without the application of solar radiation conversion and selection techniques. A case study with data from the city of Petrolina, PE, Brazil, concluded that the expected gain for the use of an optical filter that reflects wavelengths above 1000 nm is about 1% of the power generated. Empirical tests allowed validating the proposed methodology comparing the actual data with the theoretical data obtained by the simulations of the mathematical model. After calibration of the mathematical model, it was verified that the instantaneous power results calculated with the mathematical model vary about 5% for both the filter module and the unfiltered module. To avoid the constructive constraint of the optical filter and to verify other possible gains are proposed experiments with solar radiation conversion compounds associated with optical filters to select the solar radiation. With this, it is expected to significantly increase the electricity production of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells.

A matriz energética mundial é composta por várias fontes primárias, dentre as quais os combustíveis fósseis, como o petróleo, prevalecem sobre as demais. No entanto, devido ao crescimento populacional e ao desenvolvimento tecnológico e industrial, haverá um conseqüente aumento na demanda de energia e devido à preocupação ambiental, será necessária a busca por outras fontes energéticas. Dentre essas, destaca-se a energia solar fotovoltaica, por possibilitar a geração de forma limpa e descentralizada. O Brasil tem a vantagem de estar localizado na zona inter-tropical, registrando altos índices de irradiação solar durante todo o ano, em comparação com outros países do mundo que já fazem uso desta tecnologia. Neste trabalho, foi estudada a inserção de sistemas fotovoltaicos conectados à rede elétrica pública e integrados em edificações residenciais urbanas. Para tanto, foram dimensionados sistemas para três residências situadas em diferentes regiões brasileiras, e que possuem as mesmas características construtivas e o mesmo consumo médio mensal de energia elétrica. Uma das premissas consideradas foi a autossuficiência energética das edificações apenas utilizando o recurso solar como fonte de geração. As cidades escolhidas para a análise foram Porto União/SC, São Carlos/SP e Petrolina/PE por possuírem diferenças significativas nos níveis de irradiação solar, representando desta forma os extremos encontrados no território brasileiro. A partir do dimensionamento foram estimadas a geração de energia elétrica anual para cada localidade e as curvas de geração foram confrontadas com as curvas de demanda diária média das regiões Sul, Sudeste e Nordeste, representando respectivamente, as três cidades escolhidas. Foram estimados os custos de instalação dos três sistemas, sendo feita ainda uma análise econômica simplificada para a verificação do impacto gerado pela inserção da tecnologia solar fotovoltaica como fonte alternativa na geração de energia elétrica em edificações residenciais urbanas. Para a avaliação econômica foi considerada a adoção do Sistema de Compensação Energética e um Período de Retorno Simples, que é a relação obtida entre o investimento feito inicialmente para a instalação de um sistema fotovoltaico e a economia anual proporcionada por essa instalação. Considerando um período de vida útil de um sistema fotovoltaico como sendo estimado em 25 anos, os resultados demonstraram que todos os sistemas seriam pagos antes desse período. A partir dos dimensionamentos, foi possível concluir ainda que a área requerida para a instalação de sistemas fotovoltaicos em residências é muito pequena e possui elevado potencial de aproveitamento, viabilizando desse modo a sua inserção no ambiente urbano. / The world\'s energy matrix is made up of several primary sources among which fossil fuels, mainly oil, prevail. Nevertheless, given population growth coupled with technological and industrial development, there will consequently be an increase in energy demands and, due to environmental concerns, looking for other energy sources is necessary. Among those, photovoltaic solar energy stands out for providing clean, decentralized energy generation. Brazil has the advantage of being located within the intertropical zone, registering higher levels of solar irradiation throughout the year compared to other countries that already use such technology. In this thesis, we studied the insertion of photovoltaic systems into the public grid and integrated to urban residential buildings. For such, we sized systems for three home environments situated in different Brazilian regions with similar building characteristics and same average monthly consumption. One of the premises considered was the buildings energy self-sufficiency based on solar resources alone. The cities chosen for the experiment were Porto União/SC, São Carlos/SP and Petrolina/PE given their significantly different exposure to solar irradiation, thus representing the extremes found in the Brazilian territory. From the initial sizing up the annual electricity demand for each location was estimated and generation curves were confronted with the daily demand curves from the South, Southeast and Northeast regions representing, respectively, the three chosen cities. Implementation costs were estimated for the three systems along with a simplified economic analysis in order to verify the impact caused by the insertion of photovoltaic solar energy as an alternative source of power generation in urban residential buildings. For the economic evaluation was considered the use of the Compensation System Energy and a Simple Payback Period, which is the ratio between the initial investment for the installation of a photovoltaic system and the annual savings provided by this facility. Considering a life cycle of a photovoltaic system as estimated at 25 years, the results showed that all systems would be paid before that period. From the sizing was still possible to conclude that the area required for the installation of photovoltaic systems in residences is very small and has a high potential for use, thereby enabling their integration into the urban environment

The world is currently experiencing major issues in the energy sector. The ever-growing human population, limited energy resources and the effect of greenhouse gas emissions have become major global concerns for the energy sector, including the electricity generation sector. This dilemma caused electricity providers to revise their generation methods and created a major need for consumers to utilise electricity more efficiently. Demand side management (DSM) is one initiative developed for consumers to efficiently utilise electricity. Due to their high electricity consumption and technical skills, mines are ideal targets for the implementation of DSM strategies. Therefore, the focus of this study was to investigate South African mines for possible implementation of DSM strategies on their compressed air networks. Compressed air networks at South African mines are relatively old and inadequately maintained. This causes inefficient distribution and use of compressed air. The study will therefore focus on reconfiguring mining compressed air networks for cost savings. Cost savings include financial savings on electricity bills, implementation costs and decreased maintenance. Through several investigations, the possibility of implementing energy savings strategies to reconfigure the compressed air networks of two South African mines was identified. Reconfiguring the networks would respectively entail interconnecting two shafts and relocating a compressor from an abandoned shaft to a fully productive shaft. Theoretical simulations were developed to determine the networks’ responses to the reconfiguration strategies. The simulations assisted in exposing the viability of implementing the reconfiguration strategies on the respective compressed air networks. Positive responses were obtained from the simulations and proposals were made to the respective mines for possible implementation. The proposed initiatives were implemented on the respective mines’ compressed air networks. After implementation of the interconnection strategy, a consecutive three-month performance assessment period commenced to prove the viability of the proposed savings. An average power saving of 1 700 kW was achieved during the performance assessment period. The proposed initiative to relocate the compressor is currently being implemented. A financial saving of approximately R8.9 million per annum was achieved by implementing the interconnection strategy. The large financial saving was due to the utilisation of the mine’s salvaged equipment. Further savings were achieved by the decreased maintenance on the mine’s compressors. Due to the successful implementation of the interconnection strategy, it is safe to state that cost savings can be achieved by reconfiguring mining compressed air networks. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014