Renewable Energy Systems with Storage for Efate and Tanna (RESSET)
Scinergy Pacific was engaged as a Senior Technical Advisor for the Renewable Energy Systems with Storage for Efate and Tanna (RESSET) project in Vanuatu. Funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the project aimed to enhance energy reliability and affordability by integrating a 4.8 MWDC solar PV farm at Kawene and a 6 MW/6 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at UNELCO’s Tagabe station. The initiative sought to increase renewable energy penetration in Efate to 27% while supporting grid stability.
Location
Efate, Port Vila; Tanna Grid, Tanna Vanuatu
Client/Sponsor
MFAT, NZ
Consultants
TTA, IM3, ECA, Scinergy Pacific
Stakeholders
MFAT, UNELCO, DoE, UNELCO
Scope
Designing, sizing, and integrating a 5 MW Solar PV system and a 6 MW/6 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) into the Efate Grid, Port Vila
Expertise
Renewable Energy, Capacity Expansion Modelling, Technoeconomic Assessment, BESS, Solar PV, Grid Integration
Project Overview
As part of a consortium alongside TTA, IM3, and ECA, Scinergy Pacific played a pivotal role in optimizing system performance, conducting capacity expansion modelling, and performing techno-economic assessments. The team reviewed the initial concept note prepared by GGGI, ensuring the project’s design was both cost-effective and technically sound. Additionally, Scinergy Pacific evaluated the necessary network upgrades required for seamless integration of the solar PV and BESS assets.
Beyond technical assessments, Scinergy Pacific examined the environmental and economic factors, including waste management strategies, fuel savings, emissions reductions, and tariff implications. A detailed cost analysis covering capital, operational, and maintenance expenses was conducted to determine the financial sustainability of the project. The findings informed MFAT’s business case, supporting internal funding approval and procurement decisions.
Scinergy Pacific also developed technical specifications for the procurement of solar PV and BESS infrastructure, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Their work guided the Government of Vanuatu and MFAT in structuring the procurement approach, refining project scope, and defining funding strategies. Through its expertise in renewable energy and grid integration, Scinergy Pacific contributed significantly to Vanuatu’s energy transition, strengthening grid stability and ensuring long-term sustainability for the Efate and Tanna power systems.