Renewable Energy Case Study: Tokelau Renewable Energy Project

This paper reviews the Tokelau renewable energy project case study conducted in March 2013. It discusses the supply-side of the Tokelau energy system before and after the renewable energy project, evaluates the project benefits and challenges, and explores the potential application of the lessons learned in Canada.

Running head: RENEWABLE ENERGY 1
Electrical Engineering
First Name Last Name
Institution

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Identification of the case study reviewed
This paper reviews the Tokelau renewable energy project case study conducted in March 2013.
The construction of the project started in 2010 and included the construction of a PV/ diesel
hybrid system on each atoll at Tokelau nation located on the Pacific Island. This project was to
provide an alternative means of electrification, a renewable energy source (solar energy) to
replace the cost intensive hence the uneconomical diesel generators. The project has since proved
efficient with 88 % of the electricity needs being met at Tokelau against the design figure of 90%
at its conception. This project has since proved economical saving up to NZD 900000 in terms of
capital cost.
A description of the supply-side of the Tokelau energy system before and after the
renewable energy project, highlighting the unique aspects of an isolated electric grid
Tokelau Island nation comprise of three atolls namely; Fakaofo, Nukunonu, and Atafu each
originally served by three diesel generators of which at the beginning of this project, only 2,1,
and one diesel generators at Fakaofo, Nukunonu, and Atafu respectively was operational. The
electronification rate stood at 100% on the for all time steady motus of every atoll. Additionally,
the current circulation arrangement had as of late been overhauled in 2004. The fuel expenses for
operating these generator sets, together with the expense of delivery the fuel to the atolls
summed close to NZD 1,000,000 annually. The Tokelau renewable project, a joint venture
between the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Tokelau government
was conducted in phase with the first phase ending in 2012 and the other phase 5 months later.
The project involved installations of PV power systems. Each PV system consists of is an
assortment of PV panels, a backup diesel generator, batteries for night time energy delivery, and
power conditioning kit.
The PV systems were of uniform design, configuration and fewer assembly parts hence making
it easier troubleshooting to resolve any issues that may arise in the system and apply the relevant
solution promptly. The systems consist of: -
i. The PV arrays
ii. The inverters
iii. The DC charge controllers
iv. Batteries
v. Multi cluster Box

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vi. Backup generator
Evaluate the project benefits, particularly the economic business case.
This project costed NZD 8.45 million; NZD 7.5 million on PV equipment and the balance on site
preparations and civil works, construction of inverter systems and battery housings. Prior to the
introduction of PV frameworks, the fuel cost for the atolls was near NZD 1 million every year.
With the new PV framework, the cost investment funds are relied upon to be around NZD
900,000 every year on fuel alone, and will increment with expanding diesel fuel costs. The
yearly running expenses of the PV frameworks will be low, as upkeep will expect almost no
extra parts or gear past what has just been given as a feature of the project. The project besides
providing clean energy source is hence more economically viable.
Evaluate project challenges and barriers
The project challenges and barriers mainly comprised the initial constructions costs, and lack of
skilled personnel to install as well as for maintenance of the systems upon installation. However,
despite these barriers, Tokelau government secured funds through a collaboration with the New
Zealand government. Maintenance personnel have since been trained from within.
Discuss how implementing a hybrid renewable system in Tokelau may be different than
investing in solar photovoltaics, say in a large Canadian urban community.
Implementation of hybrid renewable system in Canada would require major infrastructural
changes including electrification of transportation system which would require further specialties
and capacities. Solar power electricity can only be generated where best sources exists which
generally is away from population centers. This means that unlike in Tokelau, a similar set up in
Canada may be inefficient and more expensive in terms of capital and mitigation costs.
Discuss how the lessons learned from the Tokelau renewable project could be applied in
Canada. HINT: Where does Canada have isolated electric grids?
Firstly, PV systems could be used to generate substitute energy produced from coal, oil and gas
which currently stands at 14%. Secondly, Canada should invest more on green energy sources
and check on its reliance on thermal power which has potential environmental concerns. Lastly,
Canada should invest in intensive research, manufacturing and marketing solutions of PV
systems to boost their green energy production.

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Bibliography
Government of Tokelau - itpau.com.au. (2016). Retrieved May 8, 2019, from
https://itpau.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TREP-case-study.pdf
Island of Tokelau To Become World's First Solar-Powered Nation (2012, August
02). Retrieved May 8, 2019, from http://earthtechling.com/2012/08/island-of-
tokelau-to-become-worlds-first-solar-powered-nation/
Tokelau. (2015). Tokelau Government of Tokelau RENEWABLE ENERGY
PROJECT. doi:10.18356/b24b51e2-en
Tokelau Achieves Solar Power Goal. (2012, November 05). Retrieved May 8,
2019, from https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-news/em3453/