# Hybrid Wind-Redox Flow Battery System for Decarbonizing Off-Grid Mining Operations
## 1 Introduction  
In the past two decades, dependence on fossil fuels has steadily decreased due to resource depletion and growing concerns over greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their combustion. These challenges have prompted governments worldwide to implement strict energy policies to regulate and manage the utilization of both fossil and renewable energy sources. To mitigate GHG emissions, countries that have ratified the Paris Agreement have established regulatory frameworks that set maximum allowable emission thresholds for industries, with penalties for non-compliance. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Canada, which accounted for 0.72 Gt CO\({}_{2}\)-equivalent emissions in 2013 (1.95% of global emissions at the time) [1], has committed to reducing national GHG emissions by 40-45% by2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 [2; 3; 4; 5]. In 2021, the Ragland mine's production process consumed 58.9 million liters of diesel, with electricity generation alone accounting for 73% of this consumption, resulting in 119,440 tons of CO\({}_{2}\)-equivalent emissions. Self-propelled mining equipment accounted for the remaining 27%, emitting 44,400 tons of CO\({}_{2}\) equivalent. To meet these ambitious targets and minimize the environmental and economic risks associated with climate change, transitioning toward decarbonization through the adoption of renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy practices has become imperative [6]. According to [PERSON] et al. [7], decarbonization is characterized by three fundamental challenges: (i) replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, (ii) developing alternative solutions for sectors where reducing fossil fuel consumption is particularly difficult, and (iii) eliminating carbon dioxide emissions through advanced mitigation strategies. [PERSON] et al. [8] highlight the necessity of a comprehensive transformation in the global electricity sector to achieve effective decarbonization. Similarly, [PERSON] et al. [9] argue that decarbonizing an energy system requires significant structural changes across the electricity production chain, including generation, transmission, and consumption, as this sector alone accounts for nearly two-thirds of total GHG emissions. [PERSON] et al. [10] further emphasize that ensuring a resilient and sustainable energy future by 2050 is only feasible if power generation integrates cost-effective and scalable renewable solutions. Meanwhile, [PERSON] et al. [11] and [PERSON] et al. [12] stress that a transition to low-carbon energy infrastructures must precede decarbonization efforts, as this remains the most effective approach to reducing the severe environmental impacts of climate change. Amid the ongoing energy transition, many industrial facilities are actively investing in renewable energy systems to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy sustainability. In this context, the Ragland mining company in Nunavik, northern Quebec, has committed to decarbonizing its electricity generation network by expanding its wind farm. As a major producer of raw nickel, the site's operations encompass ore exploration, underground excavation, and rock processing, all of which require a reliable and continuous energy supply. Among the most widely adopted renewable alternatives, solar and wind energy are increasingly integrated into off-grid and industrial energy systems. However, due to their intermittent nature and weather dependence, these energy sources require advanced energy storage solutions to ensure grid stability and operational reliability. This study investigates the feasibility of storing surplus wind energy using redox flow batteries (RFBs) to regulate and optimize local electricity production. For [PERSON] et al. [13], it is, therefore, crucial to critically analyze the fundamental characteristics of energy storage systems (ESSs) in order to establish benchmarks for selecting the most suitable technology. [PERSON] et al.