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Feasibility Study and Technical Requirements to Build Central Power Station, Distribution Network and Intake of Renewable Energy

Copyright 2014

Developed by Plankton Investment Private Limited for the Low Emission Climate ResilientDevelopment Programme (LECRED) and commissioned by United Nations Development

Programme in the Maldives

All rights reserved. The document or extracts from this publication may, however, be freely

reviewed, quoted, reproduced or translated, in part or in full, provided the source is given

due acknowledgement. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and

do not necessarily represent those of the United Nations, including UNDP, or their Member

States.

Published by: United Nations Development Programme in the Maldives

Cover and Layout design by: Plankton Investment Private Limited


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Feasibility Study and Technical Requirements to Build Central Power Station, Distribution Network and Intake of Renewable Energy 1

Table of contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4

ABBREVIATION 6

1 BACKGROUND 8

2 MALDIVES POWER SECTOR 10

2.1 ENERGY SECTOR INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK 10

2.2 POLICY, LEGAL AND REGULATORY CONTEXT 11

2.2.1 MALDIVES NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY AND STRATEGY 2010 11

2.2.2 LEGAL AND REGULATORY BACKGROUND 11

2.2.3 ELECTRICITY TARIFF STRUCTURE 122.3 ENERGY SUPPLY 13

3 THE PROJECT 14

3.1 PROJECT LOCATION 14

3.2 METHODOLOGY 15

4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT OF THE PROJECT LOCATION 16

4.1 GANISLAND 194.2 FONADHOO ISLAND 20

5 EXISTING POWER SYSTEMS 21

5.1 POWER SYSTEM OF GAN 21

5.2 POWER SYSTEM OF THUNDI 21

5.3 POWER SYSTEM OF MAAHINNA 22

5.4 POWER SYSTEM OF MATHIMARADHOO 23

5.5 POWER SYSTEM OF MUKURIMAGU 24

5.6 POWER SYSTEM OF FONADHOO 255.7 OTHER POWER PRODUCERS 26

6 LOAD FORECAST AND AVAILABLE CAPACITY 28

7 DEMAND FOR ELECTRICAL ENERGY 33

7.1 ELECTRICITY DEMAND PATTERN 33

8 RENEWABLE ENERGY OPTIONS 35

8.1 WIND ENERGY 35


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8.2 OCEAN ENERGY 37

8.3 WASTE HEAT RECOVERY 39

8.4 BIOMASS 40

8.5 WASTE TO ENERGY 41

8.6 SOLAR ENERGY 42

9 PROPOSED POWER SYSTEM FOR GAN FONADHOO 45

10 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS 48

10.1 POWER PLANT LOCATION AND CLIMATE 48

10.2 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF DIESEL POWER PLANT 48

10.3 EXHAUST EMISSION TO THE AIR 49

10.4 IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING THE IMPACTS 51

10.5 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS TO CONSIDER FOR THE PROJECT 51

10.6 POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS BY THE PROJECT 5210.6.1 MOBILIZATION 52

10.6.2 FUEL MANAGEMENT 52

10.6.3 COOLING WATER DISCHARGE 53

10.6.4 ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS 53

10.6.5 NOISE POLLUTION 54

10.7 IMPACT ON MARINE ENVIRONMENT 54

10.8 WAYS TO MINIMIZE IMPACTS 54

10.8.1 MITIGATION ACTIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION 55

10.8.2 MITIGATION ACTIONS DURING THE OPERATION 55

10.9 MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM 55

11 FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 57

11.1 INITIAL INVESTMENT BUDGET 57

11.2 OPERATION COSTS 57

11.3 SENSITIVITY TO THE CHANGES IN TARIFF 60

11.4 USE OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) WITH THE NEW SYSTEM 61

11.5 AVOIDANCE OF CO2 62

12 RISK ANALYSIS 63

13 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PROCUREMENT 64

13.1 SCOPE OF BID 64

13.2 SOURCE OF FUND 64

13.3 ELIGIBLE BIDDERS 65

13.4 INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS 65

13.5 GENERAL CONDITION OF THE CONTRACT 66

13.6 GENERAL TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT 66

13.7 CIVIL WORKS 67

13.8 MECHANICAL WORKS 67

13.9 ELECTRICAL WORKS 6813.10 INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL (I&C) 68


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14 PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR CPS 69

14.1 ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT 69

14.2 FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 70

14.3 POWER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT 70

15 STAFF COMPETENCY AND TRAINING REQUIREMENT 71

15.1 SITE TRAINING FOR POWER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT STAFF 71

15.2 SPECIFIC TRAINING AT SITE FOR ELECTRICAL UNIT STAFF: 72

15.3 SPECIFIC TRAINING AT FACTORY 72

15.4 ADDITIONAL TRAINING AT SITE 73

16 CONCLUSION 74

ANNEX I

ANNEX II


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Executive Summary

The supply of quality electricity to the citizens of the Maldives is one of the top priorities of

the Government of Maldives (GoM). In this regard, the Government of Maldives (GoM) is

exploring the feasibility of constructing a Central Power System (CPS) in Laamu Atoll wherethe islands are connected by land. Under the Low Emission and Climate Resilient

Development (LECReD) program, the project focuses on constructing a single CPS for

providing power to all citizens ofGan-Fonadhoo in Laamu Atoll.

The objective of this feasibility study is to assess the technical, institutional, regulatory,

economic, financial and environmental aspects of the proposed central power station and

distribution network to feed the local LV networks and intake of energy from appropriate

renewable energy sources.

Gan-Fonadhoo stretch consists of four districts of Gan Island, Fonadhoo Island, Maandhoo

Island where a fish processing factory is operated and managed by Horizon Fisheries Private

Limited and Kadhdhoo Islandwhere a domestic airport is operated by the Regional Airports.

The power systems developed in the districts ofGan and Fonadhoo were developed as need

based and in an ad-hoc manner. As a result, the power systems in these wards were not

properly equipped, and the installed generator systems are poorly designed and engineered,

leading to reduced life span of the power systems. The powerhouses and the equipment are

not to the current standards and regulations of the Maldives. Existing facilities are undersized,

inefficient and overloaded.

Despite the poor quality of the power generation and distribution systems that exist in the

stretch the demand for electricity has grown rapidly in the Gan-Fonadhoo stretch over the

past years. The data indicates that there is a combined peak demand of 3.28 MW among all

the islands.

As the land stretch has potential for industrial activities within the stretch like demand for

construction of guesthouses and related businesses, it is anticipated that the demand for the

electricity will be increased considerably in the near future.

The proposed central power station would provide reliable electricity to current and future

electricity need within the stretch. The proposed generating capacity of 16MW (4 x 4 MW)

and the medium voltage distribution network will enable power producer to relieve the

present shortage and meet the anticipated increase in demand for electricity in Gan-

Fonadhoo stretch. The new power station will also help to enhance the quality of supply

through greater rehabilitation of LV network with improved efficiency.

The new power station would be located on reclaimed land adjacent to the fish factory inLaamu Atoll. When commissioned it will take over as the base load station and will make


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possible to shut down the existing powerhouses located in the middle of the wards amidst

commercial and residential properties. The new power station is expected to be in operation

in 2018 and will be capable for extension to accommodate more generating units to meet

future load increase. Additionally, the new power station will be designed to feed renewable

energy. Therefore, cleaner energy production will occur within the scope of the project sideby side.

The project will bring positive socio-economic and environmental benefits to the

communities of Gan-Fonadhoo stretch. The introduction of solar energy for power

generation will reduce the amount of emissions from diesel generators, which would

contribute to a cleaner environment and less pollution. With oil prices continually rising and

volatile, the reduction in specific consumption of diesel may lead to lower electricity costs in

the long term.

The total cost of the project without renewable component is estimated to be USD 29.50

million. However, when the system is in operational this system will give an annual saving of

MVR 5.9 million and it is expected to payback the investment in 9 years.


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Abbreviations

Unit Description

AC Alternating Current

CCTV Closed Circuit TelevisionCHP Combined Heat and Power

CO Carbon monoxide

CO2 Carbon dioxide

CPS Central Power Station

CUF Capacity Utilization Factor

dB(A) Sound Power in Decibels

DC Direct Current

ED Energy Department

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EPA Environmental Protection AgencyEPC Engineering, Procurement and Construction

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GoM Government of Maldives

HSE Health, Safety and Environment

IFC International Finance Corporation

IPP Independent Power Provider

IRR Internal Rate of Return

JICA Japan International Corporation Agency

kV Kilo Volt

kW KilowattkWh Kilowatt hour

LECReD Low Emission and Climate Resilient Development

LED Light Emitting Diode

LV Low Voltage

MEA Maldives Energy Authority

MED Multi Effect Distillation

MEE Ministry of Environment and Energy

MNDF Maldives National Defense Force

MV Medium Voltage

MVC Mechanical Vapor Compression

MW Megawatt

MWSC Male Water and Sewerage Company

NEP National Energy Policy

NMHC Non-Methane Hydrocarbons

NO2 Nitrogen dioxide

NOx Nitrogen oxides

NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory

OTEC Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

O3

Ozone

Pb Lead


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PLC Programmable Logic Controller

PV Photovoltaic

RE Renewable Energy

RMU Ring Main Unit

SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

SIDS Small Island Developing States

SO2 Sulphur dioxide

SREP Scaling up Renewable Energy Program

TFT Thin Film Transistor

THC Total Hydrocarbons

TVC Thermal Vapor Compression

UPS Uninterrupted Power Supply

VA Voltage Ampere

VOC Volatile Organic Compound


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1 Background

Maldives is an archipelago with 1,192 island1 and out of which only 188 islands are

inhabited with a total population of 341,256. Out of total population 44.9% that is

153,379 people live in the capital Male2. The development of infrastructure on localislands has been an urgent task for the government to alleviate this issue. Tourism and

fisheries are two most important sectors of the economy. Tourism sectors contribute

about 47.8% of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP)3. Given the low lying nature

of the country Maldives are regularly exposed to multiple natural hazards such as

storms, heavy rain, high waves and extended dry season.

The Maldives contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) at global level is very insignificant.

Total carbon emissions in 2009 was 1.3 million tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2)4. However,

Maldives is one of the active country working on reducing negative impacts of climatechange and it has an objective to make the country develop on a low carbon economy.

In this regard, Maldives is working to achieve energy security through a low carbon

development path for climate change mitigation. To achieve the said objective,

Maldives will use energy efficiency and indigenous renewable energy resources

available in the country.

In that respect, GoM has implemented and are implementing several projects. The first

is on the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency to reduce carbon emissions

from electricity generation.

In Maldives each island have its own electric power generation and distribution system.

The total installed power generation capacity in the country is around 245 megawatts5.

Most of the installed capacity is in the resort islands, followed by the capital Male and

surrounding islands. The remaining capacity is installed in the outer islands and in

commercial islands.

At present there are only few islands with renewable energy installations and as a result

electricity is almost entirely generated using imported diesel. This poses the countrys

energy security at threat and exposes it to high price volatility in the international

market forcing government to provide subsidies on electricity.

The Gan Island consist of four wards namely Thundi, Mathimaradhoo, Mukurimagu and

Maahinna. In between Gan and Fonadhoo there is Kadhdhoo Island, where domestic

airport is operated. Gan, Fonadhoo and Kadhdhoo are connected via causeway.

1 Maldives Energy Outlook for Inhabited Islands, 2013

2 Population and Housing Census, Preliminary Results, 20143 Travel & Tourism Economic Impact, 2014, Maldives4 Energy Supply and Demand Study, 20145 Maldives SREP Investment Plan, 2013-2017


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Fonadhoo is the atoll capital and one of the largest populated among the Islands in the

atoll. Current population of the stretch is around 6,840 people about 1,094 of which are

people working on resorts and industrial Islands.

Provision of power supply for all inhabited Islands in Gan-Fonadhoo stretch is the

responsibility of FENAKA Corporation Limited, which is a hundred percent government

owned company. The utility, established in June 2012, is responsible for providing

power, water and sewerage service for outer Atolls including the entire population of

the stretch. Electricity generation in Gan-Fonadhoo stretch is supplied from diesel

generators with total installed capacities of 6,450 kilowatts (kW).

The cost of electricity supply in Gan-Fonadhoo stretch is high at around US$ 0.30/kWh.

Fuel prices likely to continue to be on the rise, and coupled with an expected fuel

surcharge which would be added to electricity consumers, solar electricity generation

has been found to be an economically attractive option for Gan-Fonadhoo stretch

together with energy efficiency measures.

Alternative energy options in Gan-Fonadhoo stretch are limited. The most dominant

indigenous renewable energy resource is solar which is available on a relatively uniform

basis throughout the year. Average solar insolation for the Maldives is around 5.4

kWh/m2 per day6.

6 Modelling of Renewable Energy Systems in the Maldives, 2004


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2 Maldives Power Sector

In the Maldives electricity is available for twenty four hours in each inhabited Island,

tourist resorts and commercial Islands. Each of these Islands has its own power

generation and distribution systems. Almost 99.2% of electricity is generated by usingdiesel and about 0.8% of electricity is generated from renewable sources. At present,

the total installed capacity in inhabited islands of Maldives is around 140 MW from 191

powerhouses7. The lack of any interconnection between islands means there is no

opportunity yet to generate electricity on one island and supply to another.

2.1 Energy Sector Institutional Framework

Maldives has the most simplistic institutional framework in the energy sector. The sectorhas three main bodies, namely policy guiding body, regulatory body and service

providing body.

The policy guidance is primarily provided by the government ministry mandated with

energy sector. In this regard, currently the mandate lies within the Ministry of

Environment and Energy (MEE). The Energy Department (ED) within the ministry is

responsible for formulating and implementing policies and appropriate legislations

when required. In addition to this, MEE is also responsible for implementing projects

and programs related to energy sector in the Maldives.

The Maldives Energy Authority (MEA) is the regulatory body, which is mandated to

standardize the energy sector in the Maldives. MEA is an independent authority loosely

attached to MEE. However, the technical decisions of MEA is taken by the Governing

Board of MEA. MEA is the institutional platform where both the policy guiding body

(MEE) and service providing body meet.

The service providing bodies are the utility companies. State Electricity Company

Limited (STELCO) and FENAKA Corporation Limited are the two largest utility service

providers in the Maldives. These two state owned companies provide electricity and

other utility services to the residents and in some cases to the industrial islands or zones.

However, it is to be noted that these two utilities do not compete to provide services

and each has been given almost a geographical monopoly to provide public utility

services for their assigned regions.

7 Maldives Energy Outlook for Inhabited Islands 2013


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2.2 Policy, Legal and Regulatory Context

The government has formulated a number of policy decisions, including the Maldives

National Energy Policy & Strategy (2010), National Energy Action Plan (2009-2013) and

Renewable Energy Investment Framework (2011) that have been adopted to guide thedevelopment of the energy sector in the Maldives. The country has also been designated

for the Scaling up Renewable Energy Program (SREP).

2.2.1 Maldives National Energy Policy and Strategy 2010

The 2010 National Energy Policy (NEP) has been formulated by the Government of

Maldives with the strategic objective of developing and diversifying its energy sector to

build an affordable, sustainable, energy secure electricity sector. The strategies of the

NEP includes:

Enhancing national energy security,

Diversifying the fuel technologies and reducing over-reliance of the energy sector

on fossil fuels thereby encouraging and adoption of low carbon technologies and

local energy resources,

Ensuring compliance of energy sector utility companies/energy service providers

with safety standards issued by Maldives Energy Authority as well as

environmental standards stipulated by the Environmental Protection Agency,

Promoting energy conservation and energy efficiency in both the supply side and

demand side and encouraging private participation to provide impetus to thesame,

Facilitating the implementation of a nationwide electricity grid to ensure parity in

prices and quality of power,

Promoting the use of indigenously and abundant available renewable energy

resources for energy generation,

Strengthening the Institutional and Legal Framework for the Energy Sector

towards achieving the above mentioned targets.

2.2.2 Legal and Regulatory Background

Re-organization of the state-owned electricity utility responsible for power supply in

Mal and nearby islands and restructuring of power sector and mandate of FENAKA

corporation ltd were some of the significant changes in this sector which paved the way

for immediate development of appropriate regulations. This also led to capacity building

of MEA to regulate the sector.

The Maldives Energy Authority is the lead agency for the overall regulatory framework

for power sector in Maldives. The regulations of MEA are designed towards tariff setting,

power quality and safety measures. Currently, MEA is coming up with the followingregulations (including draft phase):


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The Engineers Licensing Regulation which is designed to cover the following

aspects:

- Responsibilities of the Licensees;

- Civil and criminal responsibilities of Licensees;

- Licensing process;

- Examination Board;

- Code of Professional Conduct for Licensees

Installation Standards Regulations for Electrical Installations & Standards for

Generating Stations

- Guideline for Grid connected PV System (2013)

Investment Approval Regulations for Generation Licensees including IPPs,

Transmission Licensees & Distribution Licensees

The Electricity (Applications for Licenses and Exemptions) Regulations

Metering Regulations:

- Manual for PV Grid (connection application)

The Service Providers will develop the following Aspects

- Requirements for Service Provider License Insurance

- Requirements for Generating Stations

- Distribution Network Operation and Maintenance

- Distribution Network Planning

- Connection to the Distribution Network

- Commercial Aspects & Disputes

Acts and regulations like the formulation of Maldives Energy Act, a Maldives

Hydrocarbon Exploration Act, Maldives Energy Standards and incorporation of energy

efficiency and conservation measures is absent from the energy sector. Regulations

related to environmental protection is enforced by the EPA.

2.2.3 Electricity Tariff Structure

In the Maldives, any set of principles or regulations to define the tariff setting

mechanism for the utilities is not available and the cost recovery approach is followed

when determining the tariff for utilities. However, in order to ensure that the utilities

are not cash strapped and have resources for carrying out their business, a cost plus

approach shall be considered for utilities. The aforementioned approach shall provide

adequate returns to the utilities and help the utilities in carrying out their business in

viable fashion. It is also to be noted that at present a Standard of Performance

regulations for the utilities are not available. Table 2-1 shows current tariff structure

used in Laamu Atoll.


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Table 2-1 Maldives Energy Authority Approved Tariff for Laamu Atoll (Source MEA, 2012)

South Central Region (Th and L)

Bands/category Domestic Business Government

Band A (below 100 units) 3.75 4.50 4.75

Bands B (101 200) 4.25 5.75 5.75

Band C (201 300) 4.50 6.50 6.70

Band D (above 301 units) 5.50 7.50 7.75

Fuel surcharge: Rf 0.03/kWh per each Rf 0.10 increase in the fuel price when the fuel price goes above Rf

8.10

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2.3 Energy Supply

The total installed power generation capacity of diesel generators in the country in the

year 2012 was about 245 MW. Of the total generation capacity 105 MW is installed in

the tourist resorts, while 120 MW is installed in the inhabited islands of the atolls. 20MW is installed in industrial islands8.

Each outer island is electrified with its own diesel powered mini grid system.

The power supply systems in most of the islands have been developed on an ad-

hoc basis by the island communities.

Similar to most communities in Maldives, the power system in Gan-Fonadhoo stretch

has been developed and operated by the communities. Table 2-2 provide the break-up

of installed capacity, peak load and electricity production detail for Gan-Fonadhoo

stretch.

It is also observed that as per the reported figures the efficiency of the overall energy

systems in the Laamu stretch is low and there might be lot of scope on energy efficiency

measures on supply side.

Table 2-2 Power plants in GanFonadhoo (Energy Outlook, 2013)

PowerhouseService

Provider

Daily Peak Load

(KW)

Installed

Total (kW)

Annual Billed

units (MWh/yr)

Annual Fuel

Consumption (kl/yr)

Mathimaradhoo FENAKA 400 680 1,373.63 594.00

Maahina FENAKA 160 280 846.11 343.80Thundi FENAKA 240 380 556.61 389.52

Mukurimagu FENAKA 160 390 592.81 252.00

Fonadhoo FENAKA 425 1110 2,424.34 720.00

Maandhoo PRIVATE 1800 3000 - 1900.00

Kadhdhoo PRIVATE 65 400 - 150.00

MNDF PRIVATE 50 210 - 109.00

Total - 3300 6450 5,793.49 4458.32

8 Maldives SREP Investment Plan, 2013-2017


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3 The Project

The supply of quality electricity to the citizens of the Maldives is one of the top priorities

of the Government of Maldives (GoM). Based on the evidence and experience from the

CPS in Addu City, the Government of Maldives (GoM) is exploring the feasibility ofconstructing another CPS in Laamu Atoll where the islands are connected by land. Under

the Low Emission and Climate Resilient Development (LECReD) program, the project

focuses in constructing a single CPS for providing power to all citizens ofGan-Fonadhoo

in Laamu Atoll.

The objective of this feasibility study is to assess the technical, institutional, regulatory,

economic, financial and environmental aspects of the proposed central power station

and distribution network to feed the local LV networks and intake of energy from

appropriate renewable energy sources.

3.1 Project Location

Maldives is located geographically 7635N to 04224S in Indian Ocean (Kench 2011).

Maldivian archipelago comprises of 22 atolls with 1,192 Islands and is 1,000 km long and

200 km wide (MEC 2004). The size of Maldives atolls varies from 1.4 to 2,800 sq. km and

atoll basin has a depth of 30-80 m (MEE 2012). Additionally, average size of Maldives

Islands are 0.5 to 2 sq. km (MHAHE 2001). The Islands are low-lying islands, 80% are lessthan 1m above mean sea level (MEEW 2007), with total land area of 300 sq. km (Shaig

2006). Maldives has a tropical climate, thus it experiences two seasons due to change in

wind directions and locally known as hulhangu (westerly monsoon) and iruvai

(northeast monsoon).

Lammu Atoll is geographically located between Thaa Atoll and Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Thus

strategically located at the south of central Maldives. The atoll capital is Fonadhoo (See

Picture 3-1). The atoll has a total population of 13,7209.The atoll is locally known as

Hadhunamathi and the atoll comprises of 53 islands. Laamu Atoll, Gan is known as thelargest island in the Maldives. Similar to other atoll islands in the Maldives, the islands

are surrounded or enclosed by reef structures. Out of the few regional airports, Laamu

atoll comprises of one domestic airport on Kadhdhoo Island.

9Population and Housing Census, Preliminary Results, 2014


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Picture 3-1 Laamu Atoll

3.2 Methodology

A field survey was conducted during the month of September-October 2014 to collect

data on the existing power systems on the Gan-Fonadhoostretch. There are eight power

systems operating in Gan-Fonadhoo stretch and five of them are run by FENAKA

Corporation Limited. Kadhdhoo Island has two powerhouse, one is operated by

Regional Airports for Kadhdhoo airport facilities and the other powerhouse is operated

by Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) for their operations. In addition, Horizon

Fisheries operates separated powerhouse at their fish processing plant in Mandhoo

Island.

The technical information related to the powerhouse such as installed capacity and

means of provision of electricity were collected through stakeholder discussion

conducted during the field visits. Additionally, log sheets, mechanism of handing fuel,

both used and fresh supply were collected from the powerhouse. Furthermore, heights

of chimney, noise level inside and outside the powerhouse were noted for crosschecking

with the Maldives Energy Authority (MEA) regulations and guidelines. Photographic

analyses of the surrounding of powerhouse system were also undertaken.


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4 Socio-Economic Context of the Project Location

The land mass ofGan Fonadhoo stretched to 15 kilometers in north south direction

on eastern edge of Laamu Atoll in Maldives. Gan Fonadhoo is connected via a course

way and shared with two other islands, Maandhoo and Kadhdhoo Island. These shortand shallow water separated by geography are linked by course ways. Land transport is

possible and available from Gan Thundidistrict to very south ofFonadhoo Island. Gan

Island has four districts where communities live and to the south is Maandhoo Island,

so far the only establishment is a large fish processing factory operate and manage by

Horizon fisheries Pvt ltd., a private company in the Maldives. And next to the south is

Kadhdhoo Island, where a domestic Airport is operated by the Regional Airports, Govt.

of Maldives. Fonadhoo Island is to the south ofKadhdhoo Island and where community

scattered in the central area of the island.

Kadhdhoo Airport Course way

Picture 4-1 Kadhdhoo Airport and Course Way

Basic public services are available in Gan Island and Fonadhoo Island by Government

offices and agencies. Gan Island and Fonadhoo is managed by Elected Council members

for each Island. Atoll Council office is established in Fonadhoo Island. School are

established in both Islands and education is accessible for all the children. Nursery

schools, Primary schools and Secondary schools provides ideal environment for study

and learning. Students have access to modern facilities and they are thought by trained

staff.

A health Centre and the Regional Hospital is available in the Islands of Gan- Fonadhoo.

Basic medical facilities are available in the Hospitals. In some areas specialists are

available to diagnose and treat patients. The expansion of Regional Hospital is planned

in year 2015. Mobile phones, Television and Radios are common in the community and

Internet service is available from both telecom companies, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo.

Rain water collecting arrangement is done at community houses to collect safe drinking

water. Bottled water is also available at shops and cafes. There is a large water


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desalination plant operated by FENAKA Corporation, from where the community can

purchase fresh water in bulk if they request. Taxi, cars, vans, trucks and crane services

are available in the region. Motor bike and bicycle are the common mode of land

transportation. For students a free bus service is provided by the community.

To improve social harmony and to build closer relationship among the communities in

suburbs and other islands, many programs have been carried out with the initiation of

Councils and NGOs. Activities that encourages visiting other communities and meeting

people, are held such as sports and cultural events. Preserve of heritage and culture

needs to be up held; emphases placed on protecting and promoting awareness of such

issues.

Land usage plan is available for the islands, details on present urban area and area for

housing development, areas allocated for agriculture, tourism and hotel business and

environmentally protected as greens are also clearly indicated.


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Table 4-1 Statistics as of October 2014 (Gan-Fonadhoo, Laamu Atoll)

Population Gan Fonadhoo Total

Male

Female

Students

Foreigners (Appx. no)

1,836

1,707

1161

400

1,153

1,050

484

100

2,989

2,757

1645

500Schools / Education Centers

Nursery

Primary

Secondary

College

University Campus

5

2

1

1

2

2

-

1

-

-

7

2

2

1

2

Households

Number of Houses 725 510 1235

Health Facilities

Health Centers

Hospitals (Regional)

Doctors

-

1

9

1

-

2

1

1

11

Businesses

Shops ( General goods )

Caf / Restaurants

Hardware shops

Workshops

Carpentries

91

15

4

8

3

43

4

1

3

1

134

19

5

11

4

Guest Houses

Less than 6 Rooms

20 Rooms

28 Rooms

8

2

1

2

-

-

10

2

1

Vehicles

Motorcycle

Cars

Pickup

Lorry

Van

168

26

14

4

8

180

30

5

5

2

348

56

19

9

10

Vessels

Fishing Boats ( Dhoni)

Passenger Boat

Speed Boat

Dingis

16

3

2

8

-

3

1

14

16

6

4

22

Fish Processing

Fish Drying / Food products,

etc.

2 2 4

Factories

Horizon Fisheries Pvt Ltd - 1 1


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4.1 Gan Island

Gan Island has four districts namely, Thundi, Maahinna, Mathimaradhoo and

Mukurimagu. Population of the Gan Island as of October 2014 is 3543 living in 725

households. Main economic activities in Gan are fishing and agricultural farming. Thereare large size 12 fishing vessels and the major income generates from fishing industry.

Farming would generate approximately 15 percent of income for the community.

Construction activities also generates reasonable income to their families here in the

districts ofGan. Many administrative and technical jobs at Regional hospital, Dhiraagu

regional office, Maldives Customs at Gan, Police Regional Headquarters and FENAKA

Corporation regional office are being filled by the members of the Gan community. Fuel

and other commercial products are available in the Island. Consumer products and

clothing are available in local shops.

Food, hardware and construction material are delivered by sea transport. The island

operates 3 vessels to transport food, vegetables and construction material to and from

the capital, Male.

In Gan island construction of training resort is ongoing at north of the island aiming to

cater students from throughout the nation and abroad. Construction of 100 units of

housing will be done next year. Harbor extension project is planned for 2015 to cater

for the growing demand of the boat movements. Extension of regional hospital will be

a huge program which is planned for the coming year. Maldives National University will

be having a large campus in this region and construction is expected to start during the

year 2015. Construction of linked road brings so much hope for the community of this

region, knowing that it will bring speed for transport of goods and services. Ice plants,

workshop and other medium size business is encouraged in the commercial area in Gan

Island. Gan community welcome investors and committed to support, to establish

businesses for mutual benefits.

Picture 4-2 Gan Harbor


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4.2 Fonadhoo Island

Fonadhoo Island is the Capital of Laamu Atoll. Fonadhoo Island council office and Atoll

council office is located in Fonadhoo Island. There are three suburbs in Fonadhoo, they

are Barasil, Medhuavah and Kurigam. The population of the island as of October 2014is 2203 living in 510 households.

Main income of the community is generated from local jobs. Many jobs in Kadhdhoo

Airport is being filled by members of this community. Administrative and technical jobs

in Maandhoo Fisheries Factory, Atoll Council office, STO outlet, Bank of Maldives, Post

office and Police station at Fonadhoo occupies by the people from Fonadhoo Island. May

be around 10 percent of the community incomes generates from agricultural farming in

this community. Small scale fish drying and fish products distribution is being done by

two local companies.

Food, hardware and construction material are delivered by sea transport. The island

operates 2 vessels to transport food, vegetables and construction material to and from

the capital, Male. Fuel and other commercial products are available in the Island.

Consumer products and clothing shops are common in the island. STO operates a large

retail shop, where construction materials, hardware and consumer products are

available. Fonadhoo Harbor is spacious and will cater for the growing demand of boat

movement for the coming many years. Linked road construction brings so much hope

and excitement for the community ofFonadhoo. The road will bring speed to deliver the

goods and service to all corners of the region.

In Fonadhoo island housing programs are underway, 185 house will be completed in one

year period. Additional 160 plots have been release for the housing purpose. South of

Fonadhoo will be released for tourism development in the coming year. Fonadhoo

community welcomes to bring commercial scale business to the island.

Picture 4-3 Fonadhoo Harbor


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5 Existing Power Systems

The Gan-Fonadhoo stretch consists of Fonadhoo, Kadhdhoo, Mandhoo and Gan islands.

The data indicates that there is a combined peak demand of 3.28 MW among all the

islands. There are 15 generator sets below the rating of 800 kW at operation but mostof these machines are in bad condition. In addition there are 3 generator sets with rating

of 800 kW and 1000 kW at the powerhouse of Horizon Fisheries factory. They all are

high speed generators which requires frequent maintenance and service. Xvcvvv vvvv

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5.1 Power System ofGan

Gan Island has four districts namely Thundi, Maahinna, Mukurimagu and

Mathimaradhoo. The power systems in these districts has been utilized to cater to the

need of the individual district. However very recently Thundidistrict powerhouse has

been decommissioned and now power system of Maahinna delivers power to the

community ofThundi. The major consumers such as Large Guest Houses and industrial

sites they have their own Diesel Generators due to frequent interruption and

fluctuations in Utility power. In general the powerhouses are in bad condition due to

lack of capacity, under size, over load and inefficiency.. vvvvvv vvvvvvv vvvvvvvvv vvv

vvv zzzz

5.2 Power System ofThundi

The daily peak demand for this district is observed as 240 kW. The poor condition of the

powerhouse in Thundihas resulted in shutting down the system in August 2014. The

system was under capacity and there was no generator paralleling and load sharing

facilities. The electricity is now provided to Thundidistrict from Maahinna powerhouse.

The connectivity is established by two transformers of 11kV, 800kVA at powerhouse and

320kVA as a distribution transformer at Thundiand via 11kV, 3 phase, 70mm2 armored

underground cable. Only one generator set of 250kW is kept at Thundipowerhouse and

is used on emergency basis. Picture 5-1 shows inside and outside ofThundiPowerhouse.

Picture 5-1 Thundi Powerhouse


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5.3 Power System ofMaahinna

Maahinna district have a daily peak demand of 160 kW. Currently three generator sets

are used in Maahinna powerhouse to provide electricity to the population ofMaahinna

and Thundidistrict. Two generator sets of 250 kW and one generator set of 800 kW isused together with a synchronizing control panel board.

The powerhouse ofMaahinna consists of a small office room, panel room and generator

room. A day tank of 1600 liters is kept inside the powerhouse to provide fuel to two

generator sets of 250 kW and fuel for the 800 kW generator sets is provided directly

from the bulk storage tank. It is to be noted that fuel required for operating

Mathimaradhoo Power system is also supplied from these bulk storage tanks. Having

small facilities for fuel storage results in frequent transport of fuel on the road vehicles

and increase risk of accidents on handling.

The chimney ofMahinna Powerhouse does not meet the minimum requirement set by

the Maldives Energy Authority (MEA). The powerhouse is not equipped with noise

abatement. Even though the community housing is far away, noise pollution, air

pollution and ground contamination need to be addressed.

There is no site marking and no access control to the powerhouse. Safety and security

at the site is insufficient. There are no dyke wall for fuel storage tanks or preventive

measures for oil spills. Also, no firefighting equipment or trained staffs available at the

site. The powerhouse lacks in services and in maintenance record keeping.

Power system has many weak links, the development at power system happens very

much on emergency basis and there are many limiting factors in these power systems.

It could be bus bar rating, breaker rating, cable rating, protection method and levels.

The Aluminum cable network in the Maahinna district is very weak and unreliable, faults

and leakages are very common causing additional disruption during rainy seasons.

Picture 5-2 shows inside and outside ofMaahinna Powerhouse.

Picture 5-2 Maahinna Powerhouse


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5.4 Power System ofMathimaradhoo

The daily peak demand in Mathimaradhoo is 300 kW. Many large consumers in this

district are having their own generators to cater for their facilities. Mathimaradhoo

power system can be considered substandard and extremely low in every aspect ofengineering and operation. The powerhouse consists of a control room, fuel storage

room and generator room. In generator room there are two generator beds, on one bed

only parts of a generator body is kept and 250 kW generator on the second bed is also

not functional and this has been out of service since 2013. Power interruption is

frequent and power quality is low due to under capacity, control and network

conditions.

Currently Mathimaradhoo powerhouse does not have a bulk fuel storage tank and the

fuel is supplied on a need basis from Maahinna powerhouse. Presently they have 2

metal tanks of 4000 liters and 2 tanks of 5000 liters for handling fuel. As per the MEA

Guideline plastic tanks cannot be used as fuel storage tanks. In addition, proper bund

walls have to be constructed around the storage tanks.

The only generator which provides electricity to the community is 800kW generator set

which is installed outside the Powerhouse, a machine transferred from water company,

MWSC. The chimney of the powerhouse is totally damaged and is lower than the height

specified in MEA guideline. It is also observed that the generator set operated in this

powerhouse is higher than the peak demand of 300kW. As a result the generator is not

operating at optimum capacity, but at the same time we should note that the physical

condition of these machines are extremely low. In all aspects the damage is high, fuel

efficiency is low due to bad condition of the machine and not having the right size of the

machines. The distribution system due to under size and over load results in heavy loss

in this district.

The powerhouse lacks many facilities and features. Safety, security, substandard

equipment and systems increase risk for the personal as well. Measuring, indicators and

electrical protection, lack of proper operational and maintenance procedures increase

risk of damage, risk of fire and risk of life. As part of the emergency plan for the current

needs the company is planning to deliver power to the community of Mathimaradhoo

from Maahinna powerhouse. As they did for Thundi district, similarly it is planned to

install 11kV Substations. This will demand to add capacity at Maahinna powerhouse.

Once adopted the generator at Mathimaradhoo powerhouse will be used for stand-by

power. But none of these current activities will provide a solution for the growing

demand in the communities in near future. Picture 5-3 shows inside and outside of

Mathimaradhoo Powerhouse


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Picture 5-3 Mathimaradhoo Powerhouse

5.5 Power System ofMukurimagu

The current peak demand ofMukurimagu is 160 kW. Two generator sets are installed in

Mukurimagu powerhouse to provide electricity to the community. Generator setscombination of 150 kW and 125 kW are continuously in operation. The third generator

set of 120 kW installed in the powerhouse has been out of order for several months.

Even though the powerhouse has load sharing features, at control panel, the motorized

breakers are out of order and the protections does not function properly.

The exhaust pipe of the generators are facing to the adjacent neighboring house

damaging the trees and plants and polluting the air at their homes. Noise and pollution

is a serious issue in this powerhouse. Neighboring communities are suffering badly due

to air pollution, noise and ground contamination.

It is observed the machine in operation at the time of visit was leaking heavily, loss of

fuel from the system, lack of spare parts and under capacity forced the operators run

these machines on extreme condition. Generators, control panels, distribution network

and auxiliaries are all in very weak condition. The facilities can be considered high risk

due to lack of safety and security, lack of electrical safeties to protect equipment and

personal. Picture 5-4 shows Control panels and generator room ofMukurimagu.

Picture 5-4 Control Panels and Generator Room of Mukurimagu Powerhouse


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5.6 Power System ofFonadhoo

Fonadhoo is the capital of Laamu Atoll and have 2203 residents in the island. The power

system ofFonadhoo Island was developed under the support from Asian Development

Bank. However, it took few years the electrical load surpass the available capacity of thepowerhouse. It is apparent that the load forecasting and capacity building was not

carried out in a realistic way, the life of the powerhouse was so short.

Currently powerhouse have one generator sets of 360 kW, one generator set of 200 kW

and one generator set of 400 kW. However, 200 kW generator set is now out of order.

The island have a peak demand of 530 kW, in order to meet this demand both generator

sets are operating at peak load hours, as a result during maintenance of these machine

power cuts are evident.

Fuel is stored in 2 x 15000 liters steel tanks installed in a higher elevation at south side

of the power plant but there is no dyke walls for these tanks. Generator panel has its

limits and New Gen set in operation and immediate programs on going are only to cater

for the current shortages and as a whole the system will not provide power security for

the coming years. Beside the capacity issues, the power system lacks many features on

safety and operational and maintenance practices. Picture 5-5 shows power system of

Fonadhoo Island.

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Picture 5-5 Fonadhoo Powerhouse


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5.7 Other Power Producers

Kadhdhoo Airport operates a powerhouse at Airport compound. The current demand

of 50 kW will increase in near future with the development programs. If the Power is

available from CPS the Generators can be utilize for emergency purpose. Picture 5-6shows Generator Sets installed inside Kadhdhoo Airport.

Picture 5-6 Generator Sets Installed Inside Kadhdhoo Airport

MNDF Site at Kadhdhoo operates a powerhouse with similar load of 50 kW. According

to the Officers, three more buildings are under construction and the completion of these

buildings in the near future will result in a load growth forecast of 100 kW. Picture 5-7

shows generator sets installed inside Kadhdhoo MNDF premises.

Picture 5-7 Generator Sets installed inside Kadhdhoo MNDF Premises


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Maandhoo factory, Horizon Fisheries Pvt Ltd have a large diesel power plant equipped

with high speed diesel generators from Cummins. The peak load recorded was 1800 kW.

When CPS provides power for the growing demand of the factory the existing facilities

at the powerhouse can be utilized for emergency purpose. Picture 5-8 shows

powerhouse building of the factory.

Picture 5-8 Powerhouse Building of Fish Factory


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6 Load Forecast and Available Capacity

Given the high sensitivity of power development plans to demand projections, load

forecasting represents a crucial element of electric power utility programming. The main

purpose of any form of load forecasting is estimating the most likely future demand toserve as a basis for supply planning. This includes expansion and operation of power

station as well as the planning of distribution facilities.

Based on the study the existing facilities are equipped with high speed diesel engines,

these machines and the related systems are undersize, inefficient and over loaded. With

current situation available capacity cannot cater even for the realistic load of the Islands

today.

Gan-Fonadhoo stretch can be considered a very potential area for economic growth

having land, harbors, an airport and people. The communities are vibrant. The planned

developmental programs for next 3 years will reflect in additional energy requirement.

As a result there will be load growth that need to be addressed. Strategic decisions need

to be made to build energy supply security for the near future and long term.

Load growth factors have been reviewed based on available statistics and production

data. Analysis of current development projects and planned projects for next three

years has been reviewed for energy requirement. Population growth, commercial

activities, income and purchasing power of the currency have been considered in

generating the future growth trend.

Graph 6-1 shows the current daily load of the stretch 2014 and graph 6-2 shows the

forecasted load for the year 2018. Graph 6-3 shows load forecast and available capacity

of the proposed power system, Phase I and graph 6-4 shows allowable RE intake of 30%

of the peak load on any given year.


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DAILY LOAD CURVE 2014GAN-FONADHOO (LAAMU ATOLL)

Graph 6-1: Daily load curve 2014


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ESTIMATED DAILY LOAD CURVE 2018GAN-FONADHOO (LAAMU ATOLL)

Graph 6-2: Estimated daily load curve 2018


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LOAD FORCAST & AVAILABLE CAPACITY (MW)GAN-FONADHOO (LAAMU ATOLL)

Graph 6-3: Load forecast and available capacity


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ALLOWABLE RE INTAKEGAN-FONADHOO (LAAMU ATOLL)

- 30 percent ofthe forcasted load at a given year

Graph 6-4:AllowableRE intake


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7 Demand for Electrical Energy

Electricity has given us the freedom to use power when we want, where we want, and

in the form we want. But electricity has to be generated from other sources of energy

like fossil fuel, hydro, wind, solar and nuclear. And at every moment we must generatethe same amount of electricity as we consume.

The developing countries rely heavily on the fossil fuels in their energy production, so

the demands for more electricity will increase the amount of fossil fuels to produce it.

In many cases it is difficult to find alternative sources of energy either because of natural

conditions, source are not readily available, economic situation, etc.

The proportion of renewable energy is increasing worldwide and it is important to

maintain the trend because of the increased demand for electricity in the developing

countries. The solution is not to restrict the demand, but to try make the role of fossil

fuels less dominant.

Electricity is the very basis of our civilization. Currently we are facing a future of ever-

increasing demand for electricity and this demand must be fulfilled, keeping in mind the

other big issues of the future. Fortunate for us, at the moment we are equipped with

more profound scientific knowledge and better technological capabilities than ever

before. Both human history and the history of life on Earth in general is filled with

examples of the importance of flexibility, and especially of consequences caused by the

lack of it. Strive for flexibility is the key issue in the future of energy and electricity

production.

Electrical energy has wonderful properties for improving living conditions, for creating

wealth and for providing widespread communication facilities. Electricity literally gives

power to the people. That is one reason why demand for electric energy will continue

to increase.

7.1 Electricity Demand Pattern

Demand for electrical energy changes continuously, depending upon the time of the

day, day of the week and the season. After midnight, demand generally minimizes

because of the reduced human activity. In the morning, when people wake up, they

switch on appliances, offices open up, shops will start business and commercial

operations increases their power demand. In Maldives electricity demand peaks during

noon when the effect of solar irradiation reaches the maximum. Operation of Air

conditioners and fans for cooling purpose and industrial load makes peak load early

afternoon. On Fridays, most citizens apparently relax in the morning resulting in low


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electricity consumption and during rainy days, when temperature falls to comfort range

the consumption of electric energy goes down due to reduction in cooling load.

Electricity production based on wind and sunshine has characteristics that differ

substantially from those of fuel-based generation. Weather events and the time of the

day determine the output of these renewable sources, resulting in poor deliverability.

Maldives being a sunny country, solar based power production would help to reduce

demand to be covered by power station especially around noon.

Finding new methods for producing energy, and especially finding new combinations of

production with both fossil fuels and renewable sources of energy, is of utmost

importance in tackling the problems related to the growing demand for electrical

energy.


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8 Renewable Energy Options

Maldives being a country entirely dependent on imported fossil fuel in meeting its

energy needs have made her vulnerable to the external fuel shocks and have made

provision of electricity expensive and unsustainable. To make the electricity servicesustainable and less expensive it is important to explore locally available energy sources

and maximize the use of these energy sources.

According to locally available studies and reports, Maldives is blessed with number of

renewable energy sources namely wind, solar, ocean energies and waste-to-energy, etc.

8.1 Wind Energy

Wind is a form of solar energy. Wind are caused by the uneven heating of the

atmosphere by the sun, irregularities of the earths surface and rotation of the earth.

This wind flow or motion energy, when harvested by a modern wind turbine, can be

used to generate electricity.

Wind is a clean source of renewable energy that produces no air or water pollution. And

since the wind is free, operational costs are nearly zero once a turbine is erected. Mass

production and technology advances like creating new blade designs, more efficient

turbines to produce economical wind energy, systems that are designed for extremelyharsh environment, will attract projects even with low-wind areas. Many times wind is

strong in rainy days, when less sun light is available and peak operating time for wind

and solar systems occur at different times of the day and year. Hybrid systems including

wind are more likely to produce power when we need it.

Department of Meteorology collects hourly data at different locations across the

country at 10 meters height. This data is has been projected for different heights based

on the mathematical tools and analysis suggests good wind power potential at northern

part of the country and consider fair in south part of the Maldives, at project site.

Development of affordable wind capacity to include as a percentage of clean energy

resources in the electricity mix can be a part of the strategic plan. But it shall not be part

of the Power Project, Phase 1, for Gan-Fonadhoo region due to time involves in site

survey and wind mapping before designing the system and finding the economics of it.


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Picture 8-1 Maldives wind resource map


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8.2 Ocean Energy

Ocean wave energy is energy that has been transferred from the wind to the ocean. As

the wind blows over the ocean, air-sea interaction transfers some of the wind energy to

the water, forming waves, which stores this energy as potential energy and kineticenergy.

Tidal range are the regular and predictable change in the height of the ocean, driven by

gravitational and rotational forces between the Earth, Moon and Sun, combined with

centrifugal and inertial forces. Maldives experiences two high tides and two low tides

per day. During the year, the amplitude of the tides varies depending on the respective

position of the Earth, the Moon and the Sun.

Tidal currents are the ocean water mass response to tidal range. Tidal currents are

generated by horizontal movements of water, modified by seabed bathymetry,

particularly near coasts or other constrictions like reefs and islands. Tidal current flows

result from the rise and fall of the tide, although these flows can be slightly influenced

by short-term weather fluctuations, their timing and magnitude are highly predictable

and largely insensitive to climate change influences.

Ocean thermal energy conversion: About 15 percent of the total solar input to the ocean

is retained as thermal energy, with absorption concentrated at the top layers, declining

exponentially with depth as the thermal conductivity of the sea water is low. Sea surface

temperature can exceed 26oC in tropical latitudes, while temperatures 1 km below the

surface are between 5oC and 10oC. The OTEC resource map (picture 8-2) showing annual

average temperature differences between surface waters and the water at 1,000m

depth shows a wide tropical area with a potential greater than 20 oC temperature

differences.

Picture 8-2 OTEC Resource map


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Many research and development goals remain to be accomplished, including cost

reduction, efficiency and reliability improvements, identification of suitable sites and

interconnection with the utility grid, better understanding of the impacts of the

technology on marine life and the shoreline.

Ocean energy technologies are suitable for the production of both electricity and

potable water, whilst OTEC can also be used to provide thermal energy services.

According to the map of Surface Ocean currents shown in picture 8-2 there are

significant currents in the location of the Maldives. These currents generally influenced

by different aspects, among others:

the monsoon periods and associated winds in the region

the specific location of the atoll and islands being considered

its location regarding the chain of islands, specially north to south

its location in the atoll ( central, east, west, north, south)

Picture 8-3 Surface ocean currents

One of the major issue regarding ocean currents is the lack of sufficient data on which a

detailed assessment could be based. The measurements require for this purpose will

take at least one year in order to deliver useful data and must be as site specific as

possible.

Picture 8-4 Study area (Laamu Atoll)


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As seen in picture 8-4 the study area seems to have potential channels that can be used

to harness energy from ocean current. It is recommended to conduct detail assessment

of the potential to generate energy from ocean current on these channels in near future.

In order to explore energy generation potential in these channel we suggest to seek

financial and technical support from relevant entities. Utilizing ocean energy to includeas a percentage of clean energy resources in the electricity mix could be part of the long

term plan for the region.

8.3 Waste Heat Recovery

It is estimated that about 40 to 50 percent of industrial energy input is lost as waste heat

in the form of hot exhaust gases, heat transfer to cooling water and heat loss from hot

equipment surfaces and heated products. As the industrial sector continues efforts toimprove its energy efficiency, recovering waste heat losses provides an attractive

opportunity for an emission-free and less-costly energy resource. Numerous

technologies and combinations of technology are commercially available for waste heat

recovery. Many industrial facilities have improved their energy productivity by installing

these technologies.

Several factors can be determine whether heat recovery is feasible in a given

application. For example, small-scale operations are less likely to install heat recovery,

since sufficient capital may not be available and because payback periods may be longer.Another concern is the ease of access to the waste heat source. In some cases, the

physical constraints created by equipment arrangements prevent easy access to the

heat source, or prevent the installation of any additional equipment for recovering the

heat.

Method for waste heat recovery include transferring heat between gases or liquid, like

boiler feed water preheating and transferring heat to generate mechanical energy,

electrical energy, desalination, etc. Exhaust heat from diesel power plant can be utilized

for sea water desalination through low temperature distillation process such as MultiEffect Distillation (MED), Multi Effect Distillation with Thermal Vapour Compression

(MED-TVC) and Multiple Effect Distillation with Mechanical Vapour Compression (MED-

MVC). Some of the advantages of these machines are;

very low energy consumption, produce steadily high purity distillate water,

do not need complex pre-treatment,

low maintenance cost,

highly reliable,

very high thermal efficiency.


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In formulating the Phase I of Power Project, installation of heat recovery boilers and

desalination machines is not considered, but spacing of silences and exhaust stack will

allow retrofit of these machines in future. Since these project requires additional capital

and technology review and technical expertise, we recommend to implement such

project independent from main Power Project-Phase I, at a later stage.

8.4 Biomass

Biomass refers to organic matter that stored energy through the process of

photosynthesis. It exists in one form as plants and may be transferred through the food

chain to animal bodies and their waste. It is the fuel derived from timber, agriculture

and food processing wastes or from fuel crops that are specially grown or reserved for

electricity generation. Biomass fuel can also include sewage sludge and animal manure.

The major capital cost items for a biomass power system include the fuel handling

equipment, the combustor, boiler, prime mover, generator, controls stack and

emissions control equipment.

Today system cost is in the range between $3000 and $4000 per kilowatt of electricity.

Large systems require significant amounts of material, which leads to increasing haul

distances and material costs. Small systems have higher O&M cost per unit of energy

generated and lower efficiencies than large systems. Therefore, determining the

optimal system size for a particular application is an iterative process.

The most important factors in planning for a biomass energy are resource assessment

and procurement. As part of the screening and feasibility analysis processes, it is critical

to identify potential sources of biomass and to estimate the fuel quantities needed. To

produce one megawatt hour electricity the fuel requirement would be approximately

one ton of good quality wood chips per hour. The region will not be able to produce and

deliver even one ton of biomass per day, therefore depends on the requirement the fuel

has to be imported and deliver to the site.

Finding a potential supplier to produce and deliver a fuel that meets the requirements

of the biomass equipment can be a bit of an intensive process as it involves determining

the load to be served, identifying possible equipment manufacturers or vendors,

working with those vendors to determine a fuel specification and contacting suppliers

to see if they can meet the specification and at what price. It is necessary to estimate

the monthly and annual fuel requirement to help with fuel handling and fuel storage

planning.

Whether combusting directly or engaged in gasification, biomass resources do generateair emissions. These emissions vary depending upon the precise fuel and technology


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used. If wood is the primary biomass resources, very little SO2 comes out of the stack.

NOx emissions vary significantly among combustion facilities depending on their design

and controls. Some biomass power plants show a relatively high NOx emission rate per

kilowatt hour generated if compared to other combustion technologies.

Development of a biomass plant to include as a percentage of clean energy resources in

the electricity mix can be part of the strategic plan. But it shall not be part of the Power

Project, Phase 1, for Gan-Fonadhoo region due to the complex study involves in

technical, operational and commercial aspects.

8.5 Waste to Energy

Waste to Energy plants burn municipal solid waste (MSW) to generate electricity or

heat. At the plant MSW is unloaded from the collecting trucks and shredded or

processed to ease handling. The waste is fed into a combustion chamber to be burned.

The heat released from burning the MSW is used to produce steam, which turns a

turbine to generate electricity.

MSW consist of everyday items such as product packaging, paper, plastic items,

furniture, clothing, bottles, food scraps, newspapers, appliances, paint and batteries. It

does not include medical, commercial and industrial hazardous or radioactive wastes,

which must be treated separately.

Burning MSW can generate energy while reducing the volume of waste by up to 90

percent, an environmental benefit. Ash disposal and the air pollution emissions from

plant operations are the primary environmental impact control issues. Toxic material

include trace metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury, and trace organics, such as

dioxins and furans. The control of such toxics and air pollution are key features of

environmental regulations governing MSW fueled electric generation. These plant

produce comparatively high rates of nitrogen oxide emissions. The on-site land use

impacts are generally equal to those of coal or oil fueled plants.

To make sure the energy is generated cleanly, there shall be a number of high-tech

pollution controls in place. That includes equipment to capture particulate matters,

carbon injections to absorb heavy metals, dioxins and furans, and the addition of lime

to neutralize acid gases, etc.

Today in Gan-Fonadhoo stretch produces roughly 8 tons of MSW per day. In each

community, MSW is either burn in open areas or dispose to the beach. Collecting to a

central location will require proper methods, transport and public awareness.

Implementing a small plant could be an option that need to be explored.


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Development of a biomass plant to include as a percentage of clean energy resources in

the electricity mix could be an option. A separate study need to be conducted to forecast

the near future scenario and assess the feasibility of such plant operating in the region.

But it shall not be part of the Power Project, Phase 1, for Gan-Fonadhoo region due to

the complex studies involve in technical, operational and commercial aspects.

8.6 Solar Energy

According to satellite data solar radiations and daylight hours across the country are

reasonably good. In addition, a study was conducted by JICA in the year 2009 based on

the data collected in 2003-04 for Male and Hulhumale Island to find out the solar PV

potential. According to the study annual average radiation across the country ranges

between 5.79 to 5.88 kWh/m

2

/day.

Using the radiation data for Maldives for mono crystalline cells, give a Capacity

Utilization Factor (CUF) of 19 percent, while the modules are fixed. Every m2 solar

collector area in Maldives will results in 300 kWh/year. Similar modules with single axis

tracking generate electricity at 24 percent CUF, which will generate 380 kWh/year/m2.

Percentage increase in the cost is much higher than the percentage in the yield; hence

fixed module systems provide power at a lesser cost than the tracked systems. Double

axis tracking does not yield much as the country is located at the equator.

The storage batteries for year round operation of solar have not been considered. The

very basic reason for not opting the storage is that not only it increases the requirement

of solar modules almost three times, it require huge amount of space to store the

batteries.

GRAPH 8-1 shows adding more renewable beyond about 30% requires investments in

integration controls. This cost, combined with the occasional need to curtail some of the

renewable generation, reduces the economic attractiveness of additional renewable

generation, but still allows very substantial levels of renewable contribution, with their

additional environmental benefits, with only modest cost impacts.


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Graph 8-1 Relation between levelized cost of energy with respective to of renewable energy penetration

Every hour, enough of sunlight energy reaches to meet the world's energy demand for

a whole year. Solar energy is the conversion of sunlight into electricity through a

photovoltaic (PVs) cells. A photovoltaic cell is made from silicon alloys.

The amount of power solar panels produce is determined by the quality of the solar

panel, solar cells and technology used in making the solar panel.

Mono-crystalline- efficiency is in 16% range. PV cell is made from pure mono-crystalline

silicon with almost no defects or impurities. High purity mono cells are used to make

computer CPU chip, relatively low purity cells are used for solar module. The most

common size of mono-crystalline cell is 5x5 and 6x6. Mono-crystalline has a lifetime

of 25 to 30 years under normal circumstance.

Poly-crystalline-efficiency is in 13% range. PV cell is producing using numerous grade of

poly-crystalline silicon. This is less expensive to manufacturing due to simpler process

involved in production compared with mono-crystalline. The most common size of poly-

crystalline cell is 5"x5" and 6"x6". Polycrystalline has a lifetime of 20 to 25 years under

normal circumstance.

Amorphous - efficiency is in 10% range. Silicon composed of silicon atoms in a thin layer

rather than a crystal structure. It absorbs light more effectively than crystalline so cells

can be thinner. Thin film technology can be used in rigid, flexible, curved and foldaway

modules. They have a lower cost than crystalline cells but have a lower efficiency.

Amorphous has lifetime of less than 10 years under normal circumstance.

Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar energy. There photons contain

various amount of energy corresponding to the different wavelengths of the spectrum.When photons strike a photovoltaic cell, they may be reflected, pass right through, or


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be absorbed. Only the absorbed photons provide energy to generate electricity. When

enough sunlight, energy is absorbed by the material, semiconductor, electrons are

dislodged from the material's atoms. Special treatment of the material surface during

manufacturing makes the front surface of the cell more receptive to free electrons, so

the electrons naturally migrate to the surface. When the electrons leave their position,holes are formed. When many electrons, each carrying a negative charge, travel toward

the front surface of the cells, the resulting imbalance of charge between the cell's front

and back surfaces creates a voltage potential like the negative and positive terminals of

the battery. When the two surfaces are connected through an external load, electricity

flows.

The photovoltaic cell is the basic building block of the PV system. Individual cells can

vary in size and one cell only produces 1 or 2 watts, which isn't enough power for most

applications. To increase power output, cells are electrically connected into a packagedweather-tight module. Modules can be further connected to form an array. The term

array refers to the entire generation plant, whether it is made up of one or several

thousand modules.

When DC from photovoltaic cells is used for commercial applications or sold to electric

utilities using the electric grid, it must be converted to alternating current, AC, using

inverters. The performance of a photovoltaic array is dependent upon sunlight, climate

conditions and its performance. The environmental impact of a photovoltaic system is

minimal, requiring no water for system cooling and generating no by-products.

Development of solar PV system to include as a percentage of clean energy resources in

the electricity mix shall be part of the package to develop the power system at Gan-

Fonadhoo stretch. This program shall run in parallel with the power system

development project, phase 1.

Pictures of the potential roofs to install Solar PV in Gan - Fonadhoo stretch are provided

in Annex 1


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9 Proposed Power System for Gan Fonadhoo

Considering the future requirement and supply of reliable and efficient power to the

region we shall propose to have a common central power system that will deliver power

across the land to all corners with proper characteristics and sufficient amount throughan 11 kV distribution network. The network can be shared to intake renewable energy

from different areas of the region.

Power Plant will be develop under the name of Power System Development Project,

Phase I. In the proposed design for phase I, all necessary design philosophy and site

reservation will be considered for the Phase II. It is foreseen that capacity building under

Phase II will only be required beyond year 2028. The Power system shall consider as

Smart Generating Plant.

Phase I will include installation of a 16 MW medium speed diesel power plant which

operates on marine gas oil. Engine cooling shall be done via sea water taken from inner

lagoon. The 11 kV switch gear system will have switch gears for gen sets, auxiliary

transformers and outgoing feeders. A bus coupler will be in cooperated to allow

maintenance and modification on switch gear system.

The prime mover of the power plant shall be medium speed, 4 stroke diesel engines.

These machines can run on 45 percent fuel efficiency and maintenance interval can be

very long compare to high speed generators. Life of these engine can be thirty plus years

in operation.

Generator Sets, Package substations and auxiliary systems will be monitored and

operated with PLC / SCADA. Staff can be stationed at central control room to run and

manage the power system.

Properties of a smart generating plant includes fast starting, fast ramping up and down

of load, high fuel efficiency, fuel flexibility, minimum maintenance outage time, remote

control of outputs, black start capability, short building time, easy adaptable capacity,

low sensitivity to ambient condition, minimum water use and low capital expenditure.

A problem with the fuel supply or the electrical switchgear system is called a common-

cause fault. Therefore, any element of a power plant that might be the reason of a

common-cause fault should be of the highest possible quality. Moreover, the number

of vulnerable elements in the common part should be as low as possible. The generating

sets in pa