KIRIBATI: RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSULTANT

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Project: Grid Stabilization through Battery Energy Storage Systems for South Tarawa
• Duty Station: Kiribati
• Contract Duration: 3 months
• Consultant Level: 5
• Total Fees: USD 30,000

Kiribati is a founding member of GGGI. Together, the Government of Kiribati and GGGI have been working to address targeted needs in green growth, climate adaptation and mitigation, sustainability, low-carbon, and development. GGGI seeks to complement the Government objective of the Kiribati National Vision 2016-2036 and works across a few sectors in Kiribati including climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, green-preneurship and green business development, climate finance access and absorption. In partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, GGGI has been embedded in the Climate Finance Division (CFD) through the Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) program to support green and climate finance mobilization and pipelines development through a demand driven process from a wide range of stakeholders in line with green growth and climate change priorities and targets of the Government of Kiribati.

The Public Utility Board (PUB) of Kiribati is the electricity, water supplier and sewerage disposal for Kiribati and services the main center of South Tarawa. PUB is a corporate body, established under the Public Utilities Ordinance, Cap 83, on 1^st July 1977 and which was further amended in 2000 to allow for more autonomy in its operations. In 2013 PUB became a State-Owned Enterprise with an established Board of Directors as part of its governance structure.

One of PUB’s current pipeline priorities is to support their efforts to stabilize the national grid servicing South Tarawa through the provision of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to six sites which have Solar PV grid connect systems in place, but do NOT have a battery storage system. It is estimated that a total of 1,6280kW is the current combined capacity of the solar PVs for all six sites located on Betio, Bairiki, Bikenibeu and Nawerewere (KGV, TCH, KIT, BSC, PEC, FPV). BESS was not initially factored in due to the excessive costs of BESS and the limited capacities/capabilities within PUB to operate and manage BESS systems. GGGI is recruiting an Energy Consultant to conduct a pre-feasibility study to develop a business case for BESS integration and examine its viability and bankability to support the grid stabilization for South Tarawa in Kiribati. The consultant will work closely with MISE, PUB, GGGI and Climate Finance Division (MFED) to deliver this assignment.

The assignment aims to conduct overall technical and financial assessment of PUBs existing Solar PV grid connect systems, for the 6 sites identified. A pre-feasibility report will be compiled as result of the consultancy, which will enable a better understanding of the status of PUB’s Solar PV grid connect system and the addition of the complementary BESS.

The consultancy will work closely with PUB in collecting the relevant data and information based on the 6 sites selected for this project and assess the pre-feasibility nature in accordance with the deliverables required. The consultant may refer to national documents for contextual purposes, however the design and technical recommendations must be established through analysis and assessments guided by this assignment.

Key reference documents which may support the consultants’ assessment may be in reference to the following documents:

• Kiribati 20-year vision (KV20)
• Kiribati Development Plan (2021-2024)
• Kiribati Enhanced NDC (2022)
• PUB Strategic Plan
• Kiribati Energy Policy
• Kiribati Integrated Energy Roadmap (2017-2025)
• NDC investment plan for Energy and Transport sectors (2021)
• NDC Implementation strategy
• PUBs assessment on the impact of PUBs proposed expansion plans on the South Tarawa Power Grid

The documents delivered through this assignment will serve as reference documents for all stakeholders involved in the implementation of NDC activities in the energy sector. They will also be used for establishing contacts with potential support providers to leverage climate finance and support for NDC implementation.

To develop the scope for a renewable energy and energy storage project in the future, a Renewable Energy Consultant is needed to undertake a pre-feasibility study. Specifically the consultant will collect data to ensure understanding of the existing systems in place and additional carrying capacity for the proposed Battery Energy Storage Systems; propose optimal system design options, including: a) PV+BESS+ facility for BESS systems for the 6 sites or b) BESS connected with facility to 6 sites; assess the required space; environmental and social impacts; and cost estimates.

The consultant is required to conduct 4 tasks over a period of 3 months and to work closely with the PUB, MISE, GGGI (GIS and CFAN Advisor) and the Regional Technical Lead.

Task 1: Project initiation and data collection

The consultant will start an inception phase in consultation with GGGI, PUB and MISE. The scope and objectives of the assignment will be discussed, challenges and issued shared to provide context for the assessments.

The consultant is required to prepare a desktop review which includes an analysis of policy and regulatory frameworks related to renewable energy generation and consumption use, and storage capacity in the Kiribati context to identify any regulatory barriers to the success of the project and suggest practical solutions

The consultant will prepare a detailed workplan, questionnaires to be used, and planned workplan which will be used in the consultations conducted in Kiribati. The consultant is required to visit all 6 sites identified under this project. A consultant will undertake a desktop study, guided by PUB, including a review of data related to grid performance, load patterns, Load Profile Analysis: Peak Load and Load Growth Projections, to provide analyses for daily, seasonal, and annual load profiles and growth projections over 5, 10, and 20 years. To ensure the system is sized accurately from the start, voltage fluctuations and frequency variations are referencing previous studies commissioned by the PUB in support of this work.

Deliverable 1 – Inception report, Barrier analysis, Site Survey report and workplan

Task 2 – Technical pre-feasibility assessment

The consultant shall conduct a full pre- feasibility study to assess the fundamental support systems needed to enable the addition of BESS to the existing grid. The study should provide a clear understanding of the current state of 6 sites in terms of Solar PV and BESS potential, identify gaps and constraints, and propose well-defined, practical, and technical solutions/recommendations for BESS installation and grid stabilization and reliability.

The consultant will assess the following areas:

• Assessment of existing energy sources and supply issues
• Grid Compatibility and Synchronization: Ensure BESS aligns with grid frequency and voltage, following local grid code requirements for interconnection, power quality, and safety.
  • Power Electronics Requirements: Specify inverter compatibility, efficiency, and power factor; include measures for controlling harmonic distortion to maintain power quality.
  • Propose the engineering design for optimal solar PV and BESS in terms of installed capacity, storage capacity, connection, and distribution which factoring in forecasted stability based on projected demands for PUB (5, 10, 15, 20 years)

• Assessment of the electricity needs and projections, considering the current trend in increased buildings and facilities added to the grid, for all usages on South Tarawa and the forecasted impact of this project over 10-year periods.

• Assessment of PUBs capabilities and capacities to manage and operate BESS systems
• Analysis of estimated costs and comparison between possible different options to identity the optimal system
• Technology levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) / cost per MWh produced and capacity factors used for each option

• Provide the design options for the surveyed sites which would require a separate BESS storage facility as a safeguard measure for the installed BESS and the costing (financial analysis)

• Mapping and consultations with key stakeholders (project proponents, potential financiers, potential opponents.

Technical Elements for consideration as part of the pre-feasibility study:

Battery energy storage system (BESS) optimizations:

• Existing BESS parameters: evaluate the current BESS parameters such as energy capacity, power output capability, efficiency, and response time. Assess how these parameters align with grid stabilization requirements.
• The consultant should also consider the Battery Chemistry Selection: Compare battery types like lithium-ion (quick response, high energy storage) and flow batteries (longer lifespan, steady power output) to choose the best fit based on the project’s energy needs, local conditions, and budget.
• Additional BESS requirements for rapid frequency response: determine the optimal locations for additional BESS installations to enhance rapid frequency response. Analyse the potential benefits of distributed placement to cover a broader geographical area.
• Control strategy: Examine the control algorithms used for BESS operation. Assess their responsiveness, accuracy, and coordination with other grid stabilization measures. Consider advanced control strategies like predictive control for improved performance.

• The consultant will undertake Grid Modelling and Simulation Parameters: Model various load flow and fault scenarios to test BESS response and overall grid resilience under different conditions.

Reactive Power Management Systems:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing reactive power compensation devices such as Static VAR Compensators (STATVARs), capacitor banks, and additional BESS for voltage regulation. Analyse their response time and impact on voltage stability.
• Coordination with renewable generation: analyse how reactive power management systems can be effectively coordinated with the various distributed renewable generation sources in place. Ensure that voltage regulation mechanisms adapt to dynamic changes in generation.

Power System Analysis and Fault Location Optimizations:

• Advanced electronic devices: evaluate the existing capabilities of advanced electronic devices like Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) for fault detection, isolation, and location. Assess their accuracy and response time.
• Integration of distributed generation: consider the challenges posed by distributed renewable generation in fault location. Analyse how fault currents and voltage variations from these sources affect fault detection and location accuracy.
• Sensor placement and communication: assess the placement of sensors and communication infrastructure for AEDs. Optimize the distribution of these devices to ensure comprehensive coverage of the distribution network.

Control Systems for Effective SCADA Management:

• SCADA system assessment: evaluate the current SCADA system’s capabilities, coverage, and data acquisition rate. Determine if the SCADA system can handle the increased data flow from new grid stabilization measures.
• Integration of new devices: assess the integration of new devices like BESS, reactive power compensation units, and fault detection devices with the existing SCADA system. Ensure seamless data exchange and remote-control capabilities.
• Data visualization and user interface: evaluate the SCADA system’s data visualization tools and user interface. Ensure that operators can easily monitor and manage the new grid stabilization measures through the SCADA system.
• Alarm and event handling: examine the alarm and event handling mechanisms of the SCADA system. Ensure that alarms related to grid stabilization are promptly raised, and operators can take corrective actions in real time.
• The consultant shall conduct the technical assessments based on Power Factory modelling and simulations, or equivalent. This will involve load flow, contingency, and fault analysis of the grid for the proposed/future operation scenarios and grid elements – with distributed batteries and upgraded SCADA systems and analysing how these measures would respond to grid disturbances, load changes, and renewable energy integration.
• Based on the assessment, the consultant shall recommend measures and support systems to improve grid stability. Each optimization should be aligned with the overall grid stability goals, considering the evolving nature of the grid with increased renewable generation, and changing load patterns.
• The consultant should also take into consideration the Environmental and Climate Adaptation Measures: should also Include flood and cyclone resilience in design, along with corrosion protection

Environmental and social impacts assessment:

• Undertake environmental and social impact assessments of the proposed solar PV and BESS, incorporating gender equality and social inclusions

• Calculation of the CO2 emissions reduction potential for the proposed project option and design

• Provide preliminary analysis of the projects contributions towards the Kiribati NDC targets and the Kiribati Integrated Energy Roadmap targets (KIER 2017-2025).

Deliverable 2 – Pre- feasibility study including an assessment for an integration of BESS for grid stabilization including social and environmental safeguards concerns and GHG emission reduction potential

Task 3 – Prepare detailed technical specification of the system and total cost estimate of the project

The consultant must provide detailed technical specifications of the proposed system and a cost estimate. This could include the following items: solar PV modules, battery modules, charge controller, inverter, support structure, array stands, and where such system can be sought; logistical cost, installation cost, and operation cost. The deliverables required will consist of a consolidated financial portfolio estimate and technical design, supply, and installation specifications

Deliverable 3 – Report on detailed technical specifications and financial portfolio estimates

Task 4: Validation meeting and Final report

The consultant will be expected to provide a Final Report at the end of the assignment, which would include an overview of the process undertaken, recommendation and proposed roadmap for advancing the development of the full project, including identification of suitable sources of finance. The final report will include all deliverables as in an annex.

Deliverable 4 – Final report (including results from Task 2, Task 3, and Task 4) and PowerPoint Presentation slides deck for presentation at the validation meeting.

Deliverables will be in accordance with the Project Work plan timeline.

• All deliverables, reports,data and information, and other documents prepared or received from the stakeholders from the start to the end of the assignment shall be saved in MS Teams Platform created by GGGI.
• The PUBs Energy Consultant shall submit each deliverable report in electronic versions readable by a Microsoft Office application.
• All outputs must be in English.

The Renewable Energy Consultant must:

• A Master’s degree in power engineering, engineering or equivalent of relevant education and experience, in the power sector, solar and battery integration into grids, economics, climate change or relevant subjects. At least 8+ years of relevant work experience.
• Proven track record in international development project management including participatory planning, report writing and project/financial management.
• Proven track record in working in renewable energy design for Solar PV grid systems and BESS
• Proven track record in stakeholder engagement and consultation.
• Knowledge of the PUB and Batter Energy Storage Systems, Solar PV Grid connect systems and technical designing, solar and battery integration into grids.
• Strong verbal and written skills in English and knowledge of the local culture and language
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and prioritization skills.
• Experience working in Kiribati and working with multi-cultural teams highly desired.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION