Aggreko: Power Supply Issues Impacting Net Zero Goals
CEOs managing high-revenue companies – including mining firms – across major European urban centres are recalibrating their net zero aspirations and financial commitments, according to an Aggreko study.
Mining is among many sectors facing mounting pressure to balance operational costs with environmental commitments as executives revise their approach to net zero targets, according to research from Aggreko, a global provider of mobile modular power solutions.
Its study, ‘Rebalancing the Energy Transition’, examines responses from 400 chief executives at companies with annual revenues exceeding €200m across the UK, Germany, France and Italy.
Scotland-based Aggreko offers specialised power solutions to the mining industry, including mine cooling and energising mine expansions. I also helps it introduce renewables to the energy mix, as well as enhancing existing power plants with cleaner and more efficient solutions.
- 95% of surveyed leaders have adjusted their net zero timelines due to energy supply and pricing challenges
- 12% prioritise rapid decarbonisation, the majority focus on reducing energy costs and gaining commercial advantages
- 80% still plan to increase investment into their energy transitions over the next year
Mining operations atr thought to account for between 4% and 7% of global energy consumption.
The research, conducted by Aggreko's European division, reveals that 95% of surveyed executives have modified their environmental targets due to energy market volatility.
This trend reflects the specific challenges faced by mining companies, which must maintain continuous operations while managing substantial power requirements for extraction, processing, and transportation.
“In a tough economic landscape, grid instability and connection delays, price uncertainty and looming ESG targets are impacting many businesses’ energy transitions.”
Addressing power security in mining operations
The need for stable, high-capacity power supplies emerges is a central theme in the research. Only 12% of executives identified decarbonisation speed as their main concern, with cost reduction and commercial viability taking precedence
Robert Wells, President of Aggreko Europe, states: "Grid instability and connection delays, price uncertainty and ESG targets affect business energy transitions.
“This impact is particularly pronounced in the mining sector, where power interruptions can halt production and compromise safety systems."
The study indicates that 80% of executives plan to increase energy transition investments over the next year, though Aggreko notes these increases may be modest. This cautious approach mirrors the mining sector's need to maintain operational reliability while pursuing environmental improvements.
Integration of renewable power sources at extraction sites
Companies must evaluate their power infrastructure as energy demands evolve, according to the research. The report examines how organisations can implement decentralised power systems and alternative supply agreements without compromising operational stability.
Wells explains: "We function as a strategic supply chain partner across Europe. Our work with energy-intensive industries has focused on developing renewable energy installations and establishing alternative power agreements. This approach helps mining operations control costs while maintaining consistent power supply.
The research highlights how mining companies can benefit from Aggreko's Energising Change framework, which provides guidance for transitioning to renewable energy infrastructure while maintaining production targets.
This framework addresses specific mining sector challenges, including the need for reliable power at remote locations and the integration of renewable sources with existing systems.
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