The transition of the power sector towards a renewable energy based electricity supply requires in many cases the integration of high shares of non-conventional generation into the existing infrastructure. Changes in the physical characteristics and the conditions to operate these grids are consequently introduced. The technical challenges associated with these changes have particular impact in islands, where the grids are small and the flexibility that is offered by system interconnection is not available. Successful integration experiences in islands have demonstrated that these challenges can be overcome. Reliable and efficient supply of electricity is possible, if a consistent planning process, considering the particularities of each island and the links between different sectors and stakeholders, takes place. Through renewable energy roadmaps, grid integration studies and technical trainings IRENA has supported the planning of the transformation of the electricity systems in Small Island Developing States at a global level. In this presentation IRENA will share the lessons learned within its work and its vision of the deployment of renewable energies in island states for the following years. Francisco Gafaro works as Programme Officer in the Renewable Energy Agency IRENA since May 2014, coordinating different projects of technical assistance to developing countries, facilitating the integration of renewable energies into the electricity grid. He is holds a Bachelor degree on electrical engineering from the Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia and a M.Sc. In Electrical Power Engineer from the RWTH-Aachen in Germany. He has more than 12 years of experience in the power sector, working in technical topics related to planning and operation of transmission and distribution networks and analyzing the impacts of RE.

1. INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY
AGENCY
Integration of VRE in Small Island Developing States:
Context & Power system operation and expansion
Francisco Gafaro
Flinders Island, 01 December 2016

2. About IRENA
» Established in 2011
» An intergovernmental
organization
» Promotes the widespread
adoption and sustainable use of
all forms of renewable energy
worldwide
» Supports countries in their
transition to a sustainable
energy future
150 Members
26 States in Accession
IRENA work is driven by member country
demand

3. Small Island Developing
States -SIDS
3
57 (SIDS), 38 UN members in 3 geographical zones
Over 60 million people,
Around 90 TWh electricity consumption per year (only in UN members)
Around 29 GW of installed generation (only in UN members)

4. • To date, SIDS represent 40 of the 100
parties to the Paris agreement
• Contribution to the total global
greenhouse gas emissions is reduced
but impact is high
• Significant sources of GHG emission
come from the electricity, transport and
waste
• SIDS have recognized the importance
of addressing climate change both
from a mitigation (regardless of
contribution) and adaptation
perspective
Climate Change agenda and
RE Targets

5. Ambitious RE targets in
SIDS

6. Different types of power systems
different approach for transformation
Large SIDS systems, up to GW scale (Caribbean, Fiji,
PNG), similar to interconnected systems
Existing planning and operational procedures
gradually adapted
Smaller systems, outer islands, remote communities.
Single hybrid project may be sufficient
Medium size systems, most major islands in the
Pacific, East Caribbean, Indic Ocean, gradual but
faster integration, very challenging, more and new
stakeholders, new unexpected technical issues may
arise

7. The transformation of the
power sector
IRENAs engagement with SIDS at all levels trough: Capacity building, Direct technical
assistance, Project development support tools, ADFD Project Facility, Sustainable
Energy Market place, facilitation of strategic partnerships

8.  Located in South Pacific Ocean
 Population: 200,000
 75 % lives on main island Upolu
 Annual electricity demand c.a. 115
GWh
 Peak demand c.a. 24 MW
 PPAs with 3 IPPs for ca. 11 MW PV
under implementation since 2015
 3 MW PV system property of utility
EPC
 6 MW additional hydro by 2017
 Further expansion alternatives
projects in time horizon 2022 based
on wind + pumped storage and
biomass
Grid Study Case Upolu,
Samoa
8
8
FIAGA
F/S
L/M
TAF
4
MW
8
MW
5
MW
30
MW
DIESEL
2.9
MW
Load
3.5
MW 4
MW
TANU
33 kV
22 kV
Upolu 2014
Hydro
Map Data ©2015 Google
FIAGA
F/S
L/M
TAF
5
MW
8.5
MW
5.7
MW
6.7
MW
Load
3.5
MW
TANU
33 kV
22 kV
Upolu 2017
Hydro
5
MW
30
MW
DIESEL
4
MW
7
MW
Map Data ©2015 Google

9. 9
Expected situation 2017
29.8 29.8 29.8 29.8
8.5 10.1 12.8 13.7
2.9
11.4
13.7 13.7
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
2014 2015 2016 2017
TotalPowerInstalled(MW)
Diesel [MW] Hydro [MW] PV [MW] Wind [MW]
Generation type
Existing
system
2014
With
new PV
via PPA
2017
Diesel (MW) 4 x 5.8 4 x 5.8
Hydro (MW) 7.5 14
Wind (MW) 0.55 0.55
PV (MW) 2.85 13.65
Battery storage
(MW)
- 4
Battery storage
(MWh useable)
- 2
Installed VRE 2015
Installed VRE 2017
Very high penetration levels can
be expected

10. 10
Grid Modelling Study for
Upolu – Scenarios 2017 &
2022

11. 11
Grid Modelling Study for
Upolu
Model validation

12. 12
1086420 [s]
52
50
48
46
44
42
Fiaga #1: Frequency [Hz] - Min Demand and PV max in 2015
Fiaga #1: Frequency [Hz] - Min Demand and PV max in 2016
Fiaga #1: Frequency [Hz] - Min Demand and PV max in 2017
Trip of diesel unit
PV Disconnection
Load disconnection
Trip of diesel generation
Example of identified technical
issues
Performance criteria not
fulfilled:
Loss of a diesel unit leads to
system collapse in case of
low demand and high PV
generation
Main root causes are UFLS
settings (too slow) and
instantaneous disconnection
of PV @47,5 Hz

13. 13
Identified solutions
Base Case 2017
Two sets of measures were identified to solve technical issues:
 Alternative 1: Based on operational measures and grid support
functions to be provided by new PV systems (grid connection
requirements)
+ Less investment and less complexity
- Higher level of curtailment required
 Alternative 2: Based on system enhancements and investments in
new infrastructure, operational measures and grid connection
requirements for new PV systems
+ Maximum flexibility allowing minimum curtailment
- New investments required

14. Identified solutions
Alternative 2
14
• )
Infrastructure and system
enhancement
Operational
measures
Grid support
functions from
new PV systems
 Voltage control
capabilities with power
factor range of ±0,95
 Under-Voltage-Ride-
Through (UVRT)
capability
 Reduction of the output
power in case of
overfrequency P(f)
 Modification of UFLS
scheme settings
 Allocation of frequency
regulation reserves
according to expected
variability of PV and
wind using diesel,
hydro and battery
storage
 Limit the amount of
power exported by the
feeders
 Installation of a Battery Energy
Storage System (BESS) for the
provision of spinning reserves.
Minimum capacity 4 MW / 2 MWh
 The BESS shall perform primary and
secondary frequency control
 Installation of a reactive power
compensation (5.5 MVA) to replace
the reactive power provided by the
diesel plant
 Implement an automatic and
centralized system to perform the unit
commitment and generation dispatch
 Dispatchable units (hydro and
batteries) and PV/Wind plants should
be controllable from dispatch center

15. System Operation -
Weekend

16. System Operation -
Weekday

17. System Operation -
Weekday

18. Lessons learned
18
 The transformation of the power system in small to medium size islands is
rapidly happening and quick action is required
 There is an enormous variety in the characteristics of SIDS. Each island is a
unique case. Particularities define approach required for planning and
implementation
 Challenges at different levels, technical-economic-politic can not be isolated
 Coordination of support activities among engaged stakeholders and developing
partners is crucial
 Capacity building is crucial, the industry is changing and new dynamics must be
understood

19. Download the report for free from
www.irena.org/Publications
Contact:
Fboshell@irena.org
Renewable Mini-Grids
Innovation Outlook

20. www.irena.org
Thank you very much!!
Francisco Gafaro
fgafaro@irena.org