- Ray Chan & Nicholas Jacobson, GHD Pty Ltd
Both hydro and diesel have been the major sources of energy for power generation in Samoa. Hydropower accounts for about 45% of the total electricity supply in the country and diesel makes up the total generation. In response to the growing energy demand and the changing rainfall for hydropower, diesel generation is becoming more important in the country’s generation mix. This has already had some impact on electricity tariffs due to volatile imported fuel prices.
Wind energy is being considered as one of the potential renewable energy sources, which can form part of the country’s future sustainable energy supply system. The aim of this project is to assess the technical feasibility and economic benefits of developing a 2 to 5 MW wind farm on the Island of Upolu. A wind resource assessment has been undertaken by establishing the long-term wind speeds and wind mapping across the island based on data acquired from two wind-monitoring stations at selected locations. This work also includes selection of a suitable site for wind turbine installations, preliminary design of wind farm layout and estimation of long-term annual energy production. In the economic analysis, the benefits of offsetting diesel generation by the proposed wind farm were estimated. The overall results suggest that the installation of wind turbines on the island is technically possible and can help to reduce the country’s increasing reliance on diesel generation.
BIOS:
Ray Chan is a Renewable Energy Consultant, has more than 12 years experience in the consultancy and energy utility sectors specialising in wind farm developments, solar photovoltaic systems, waste-to-energy technologies, energy efficiency and gas pipelines in Asia Pacific. Project experience includes wind resource monitoring, technology and project evaluations, technical due diligence, environmental assessment, renewable energy systems design, and contract management.
Nic Jacobson, a Senior Engineer in Renewable Energy, has more than 8 years experience in the sector. With international experience in the renewable energy sector, many clients and communities now benefit from his capabilities in wind and photovoltaic energy generation. His work in Australia and Asia Pacific has extended to identification, evaluation, EIS, process design, due diligence and government approval of renewable energy projects.