April 12, 2023, Lima, Peru – At the end of March, the British Embassy in Peru held its first Energy Transition Workshop, hosting more than 200 participants from large mining companies and British companies operating in different priority sectors, such as mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, security, and defense.

Three speakers from international companies were invited to share successful experiences in transforming their energy matrix to sustainable sources, decarbonizing and reducing emissions in their supply chain to achieve sustainable mining operations.

Eng. Guillermo Barreda, General Manager of Knight Piésold Peru, made the presentation, "Run-of-River and Pumped Storage – Legacy Renewable Energy Assets,” showing Knight Piésold's commitment to and leadership in supporting the energy transition and decarbonization of mines for sustainable operations. This presentation, which was prepared together with Sam Mottram, Managing Principal of Knight Piésold Canada, discussed how run-of-river and pumped storage hydro developments can become a reliable source of cost-effective, reliable energy, which can be added to a mine’s portfolio of measures in overcoming energy transition challenges.

In addition, Barreda explained how run-of-river hydro, as a low impact asset, reduces a mine’s carbon footprint throughout operations. As a cost-effective source, it gives a mine the ability to afford mining of lower grade ore and thereby extending a mine's life. Barreda also explained how pumped storage hydro makes it possible to shape renewables and make better use of them, being considered a massive “green battery.”

Barreda concluded his presentation by stating that all of these characteristics "...also allow for the improvement of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and in helping a mine obtain its social license, leaving communities a legacy for future generations and a long-term renewable energy asset.”

For nearly 100 years, Knight Piésold has been designing renewable energy projects for mining clients, having started working on a hydroelectric project for a copper mine in 1925. Knight Piésold provides clients with a wide portfolio of renewable energy development solutions, from project identification, environmental studies, and permitting to detailed engineering, construction, and operational monitoring.