Electricity is the main resource required while operating the electrolysis plant. The plant uses 2 Mil MWh per year, in a full production mode. In order to further expand the scope of the project and the cooperation, Aluminij Industries d.o.o. intend to invest in renewable energy power plants, thus ensuring a stable and affordable power supply which will accommodate the factory’s needs while staying true to the Group’s commitment of promoting sustainability and environmental awareness and responsibility.
Data on solar radiation in the Balkans, especially the Herzegovina area, indicates significant solar energy resources with an extremely favorable seasonal schedule, which provides an opportunity for its efficient and long-term use.
Given the average number of hours of sunshine per year (2291) in Mostar, with more than 280 sunny days and the availability of large open areas, the use of solar energy farms for electricity and heat production should be pursued and realized. The use of solar energy would lead to energy savings as well as reduce emissions from the need for fossil fuels and the environmental pollution caused by their combustion. The average annual irradiance of the horizontal surface for the Mostar area ranges from 1550 kWh / m2 in the south to 1300 kWh / m2 in the northern part of the area.
Since renewable energy resources are environmentally friendly and safe, both solar and wind solutions are considered. The renewable energy supply would have to be combined with traditional electric grid sources to ensure energy supply at night time, however, the low production cost of the renewable energy will result in total average electricity cost which will allow a viable financial operation of the electrolysis plant.
Together with our strategic partner, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), we aim to introduce solar and wind energy solutions. This mega-project, will require a significant investment, but will secure Aluminij’s energy supply for years to come and will result in expanding the factory’s operation to its full capacity, with hundreds of additional jobs and dramatic effect on related businesses and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy.