Over a number of years the Niue Government has installed over 500 kWp of solar power on the island. However, the 200 kWp solar generation plant at the power station was often being switched off to manage the loads on the network, which was at odds with Niue’s goal to increase its use of renewable energy. The challenge was to find a way to optimise use of existing renewable generation together with diesel generation to build a more reliable energy system for the island of Niue.
The solution delivered by Vector Powersmart consisted of 3 parts. First, we implemented 600 kWp of solar photovoltaic (PV ) to increase the renewable generation on the island. This was followed by a 3.15 MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS ) and Vector Powersmart’s own energy management system (EMS).
The EMS was key to the solution as it balanced energy inputs from Niue’s existing renewable generation (500 kWp), the new solar generation (600 kWp) and the existing diesel generators and the BESS to deliver electricity to the network. Vector Powersmart also provided extensive support and training to the Niue Power Company operators to operate the new system.
Niue is now on its way to achieving its decarbonisation target with approximately 25% of all its electricity supplied by renewable generation. The battery storage and energy management systems help maintain a stable electricity grid. This is because the battery storage can instantaneously respond to changes in solar generation levels through its demand response capability.
As a result, Niue now has a more reliable energy network that is using fewer fossil fuels .
Runner up – Best off-grid renewable system SEANZ 2019
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