Both technologies have the potential to reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions in minerals operations
Saskatoon, SK (Canada) – IMII (International Minerals Innovation Institute) is pleased to announce that it will be undertaking two new innovative energy technology projects in association with and for its minerals industry members.
The first is an Exploring Innovations Program project with Acceleware Ltd. (www.acceleware.com). Acceleware is proposing to validate the potential to use radio frequency (RF) energy from their Clean Tech Inverter to dry potash and other mineral commodities.
“This project explores a novel approach to drying potash at a much lower GHG emissions level when compared to current processes,” says IMII Executive Director Al Shpyth. “This Exploring Innovations project is a first step in validating the effectiveness of using RF energy for such a purpose. If successful, subsequent projects could lead to the development of a commercial scale drying platform with lower capital and operating costs than fossil fuels” he added.
The second is a Demonstrating Innovations Program project with SolarSteam Inc. (www.solarsteam.ca). SolarSteam is proposing to collaborate with IMII and its minerals industry members on the demonstration of a renewable heat generation technology which could harness Saskatchewan’s solar resources with a concentrated solar thermal system.
“The SolarSteam technology has the potential to provide low-cost renewable heat which could be deployed to support industry processes in minerals operations,” says Al Shpyth. “Understanding and validating the technology is critical for both the minerals industry and SolarSteam to fully define the value proposition and consider its potential for deployment as a clean-tech solution.”
IMII is pleased to announce these two projects during Innovation Week in Saskatchewan and Canada. Two of the week’s themes this year are #InnovateForThePlanet and #InnovateForCompetitiveness. For new energy/clean-tech solutions to be adopted by industry requires they lower environmental and economic costs, and can scale to meet industry needs.