PPA e7 Renewable Workshop for Southern Utilities – Tuvalu Electricity Corporation

Signal detected from this Planet coming from somewhere in the biggest ocean….. “The Pacific Ocean”. It’s from “TUVALU”

Tuvalu Electricity Corporation – TEC

Tuvalu Location

  • TEC is 100% owned by the GOT.
  • Has a total of eight Power Station. Fongafale is the main station and the balance on the outlying islands.
  • Fongafale capacity is only 2096kW. Derated by 80% of nameplate capacity.
  • Fongafale Peak Demand is over 900kW. The outlying station falls between 20kW to 70kW.
  • In January 2006, the new Power House will be constructed under the Japanese Grand Aid with a 3x600kW medium speed set.
  • The total number of customers on Fongafale is 923 and 1075 for all the outstations. Household: 776, Commercials: 93, Government: 54
  • The current tariff is Aus$0.47 for commercial and government, Aus$0.34 for residential on Fongafale and Aus$0.30 for residential outstations.
  • The tariff is set directly by the Cabinet.

Current TSEC Situation

  • Only Solar PV has been used successfully in Tuvalu for electricity generation by RE
  • It was first used in 1979 to power the inter-islands telecommunication systems
  • Now, the TSEC is totally bankrupt due to mismanagement practices.
  • The unit was restructured and only consists of 2 staff, a Research Officer and a Technical Officer.
  • The continuous operation of TSEC is a low priority to the Government since the outer islands have been electrified by diesel power.

TEC Current Energy Situation

  • The main source of energy is DIESEL FUEL. All TEC generators are all diesel based.
  • Electric Power and Transport are the largest users of diesel fuel.
  • Supplier – Beyond Petroleum (BP)
  • Current Fuel Price – Aus$0.9461
  • This year fuel prices increased three times: 0.8123/0.8961/0.9461
  • Outstation fuel bunkered to ship main tank-to-200 liters drum then delivered to shore by workboats.

Future Energy Situation

  • Government is now working on the dissolution of the Solar Cooperative and merge with TEC.
  • The Energy Department under the Ministry of Works and Energy is responsible for all renewable energies in Tuvalu.
  • TEC and the Energy Department now looking at potential RE in the Country.
  • Potential RE might be coconut and solar energy.

Problem regarding RE

Tuvalu GHI map

  • Lack of funding: financial constrain have been the problem.
  • Minimal of potential RE resources.
  • High installation cost.
  • The low knowledge base of staff on RE: lack of trained and skilled people.
  • Acceptance of RE by the communities: the public could not accept the reintroduction of solar energy after the fall of the solar
    company.

Expectation

  • Enhance skill and knowledge on RE.
  • Share of common problems with colleges.
  • Able to identify potential sources of RE for Tuvalu, from data provided.

Conclusion

Tuvalu renewable energy

  • The introduction of other potential RE technologies is possible through the implementation of feasibility studies and a pilot project that will better demonstrate their appropriateness and viability in the situation of Tuvalu.
  • We hope this workshop will be able to map out a new direction in the development of energy in terms of RE.
  • We are looking forward to participating in any pilot program and technology demonstrations in the future.