Energy Management Working Group

The Energy Management Working Group (EMWG) is a cross-functional team that was established in 2023 to drive energy efficiency projects and energy related continuous improvement across the business. The EMWG has been pivotal in the development of NCIG’s Energy Management Strategy and within this structure they meet twice per year to collaboratively identify improved energy practices and assess opportunities that can maximise productivity and efficiency, and effectively reduce our Scope 2 emissions.

The EMWG has leveraged historical consumption data to establish an energy utilisation baseline for our operations and are actively measuring annual utilisation against this baseline to promote achievements against targeted performance.

Examples of work the EMWG has implemented to improve electricity efficiency include:

All of our shiploaders and stacker reclaimers utilise a Variable Speed Drive (VSD)—a bank of large electronic components that control the delivery of electricity to the various motors on-board the machine, allowing precise control of speed and distances travelled.

All of our machine VSD’s have been updated with modern VSD technology which will enhance plant reliability, lengthen machine lifespan, and have the potential to save up over 220,000kWh in energy annually.

The EMWG identified that there was potential to adjust the running speeds of our conveyors when a stacker/reclaimer was relocating during tasks. An analysis undertaken by the EMWG identified that these machines spend around 10% of their time relocating in our stockyard. By reducing our conveyor running speeds from 100% to 35% during these periods, we have been able to save around 740,000kWh per year.

The EMWG identified that there was the potential to turn off our yard conveyors when a stacker/reclaimer task is paused or delayed. An analysis undertaken by the EMWG identified that by stopping our yard conveyors during these periods, we have been able to save around 800,000kWh per year.

A significant component of our operations is our conveyor system, which is an important infrastructure asset that moves our customers’ coal across our site. These conveyors typically “run on” for approximately 30 minutes after they have completed a task to mitigate operational risks related to stopping and re-starting conveyor drive units that regulate input voltage during conveyor use.  

Eighteen months ago, we began analysing how much electricity could be saved if we reduced the run-on time from 30 to 5 minutes, while still managing the associated operational risks. Multiple stakeholders across the business were consulted and an engineering assessment report reviewed multiple options for implementation.  

The conclusion was that the project had the potential to save around 3,600GJ (1,000,000kWh) per annum. The reduced run-on time was implemented at the beginning of the FY23 reporting period and has been operating successfully ever since. This project was employee-led and has provided both emission reduction and financial cost savings, together with reducing wear and tear on our infrastructure.