Energy decentralisation underway, page-3

Aluminium refining is done by electrolysis, and uses a *lot* of juice. It's why refineries are usually close to large power stations. For example, the Worsley refinery in WA is right near the Collie power station. They've been set up with hydro-electricity some places, but it would be a real test for other renewables to give them the quantity and reliability of power needed, at an affordable price.

One thing that I thought of a long while back regarding the CETO 5 was mineral sands (titanium, zircon etc). Mines are usually located on old (geologically old) ocean coastlines, which in Australia tend to be in deserts, and more often then not in remote areas. Mineral sands refinement uses huge amounts of fresh water, but not so much power. For example, my old employer is one of the top 4 water consumers in the state, and does a lot to try and lessen water use. Their most expensive infrastructure is actually the miles and miles of special pipe they use to shift water around. Seems like the sort of situation a medium sized CETO 5 array would be useful, if CWE were to start selling them...