Renewable Energy Case Study: Tokelau Renewable Energy Project

Running head: RENEWABLE ENERGY 1
Electrical Engineering
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RENEWABLE ENERGY 2
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