» SAMGRIST | Samoa Grid Stabilisation

SAMGRIST | Samoa Grid Stabilisation

Project Summary

Samoa Grid Stabilisation project was identified as the third highest priority project in Samoa’s NDC Implementation Roadmap and Investment Plan (2022).SAMGRIST aims for Samoa’s national grid stabilisation through a business model where the utility engages a private entity to install and operate the batteries.

Sector: Grid Stabilisation, Energy Storage

Project Status: Completed

Challenge

GHG emissions in Samoa are very small on a global scale. Despite this, as an island nation at particular risk of the adverse impacts of climate change, Samoa has achieved 50 percent renewable electricity generation target as of March 2021. However, the amount of energy from solar panels is currently being restricted due to grid stabilisation issues. For Samoa to achieve its emission reduction targets and maintain grid reliability, investing in renewable energy alone is not enough, batteries and other grid stabilisation measures are essential.

Innovation

The innovation lies in the feasibility study for the application of a business model where the utility engages a private entity to install and operate the batteries. This model would be the first of a kind in the Pacific and would harness private sector expertise, decrease investment for the Government owned utility, promote competition in the market for DER, and be the first step in moving towards a dynamic electricity system that is capable of supporting two-way power flow.

Impact

Total cost savings from this project is expected to be around US$ 876,480 per year.

Reduced air pollution from diesel generation for residents of the main Island of Upolu as SAMGRIST will lead to an increase in renewable energy penetration of approximately 2 percent, displacing 2,640 MWh/year of diesel generation.