What's happening with Tuvalu's mini-grids?

As Tuvalu journeys towards scaling up its mini-grids systems, the spotlight shifts to the electrical contractors poised to take on installation, operation, and maintenance tasks. With rooftop solar projects on the horizon, the training presented an invaluable opportunity for private sector players to gain insights into Tuvalu's mini-grids systems.

What is the Tuvalu solar power project?

The Government of Tuvalu worked with the e8 group to develop the Tuvalu Solar Power Project, which is a 40 kW grid-connected solar system that is intended to provide about 5% of Funafuti ’s peak demand, and 3% of the Tuvalu Electricity Corporation's annual household consumption.

What is the market for renewable mini-grids?

1.1. The market for renewable mini-grids Mini-grids based on renewable energy (RE) sources are a viable alternative for rural areas, islands, and developed and developing island states to increase their access to energy.

What can private sector players learn from Tuvalu's mini-grids training?

With rooftop solar projects on the horizon, the training presented an invaluable opportunity for private sector players to gain insights into Tuvalu's mini-grids systems. The training concluded with a site visit hosted by TEC, offering participants a firsthand experience of advanced renewable energy technologies.

Is the electricity sector centralized in Tuvalu?

The electricity sector in Tuvalu is centralized. A public - private partnership with international cooperation was signed to build a PV system in Funafuti (2006), where the main problem was the lack of skilled workers to undertake the O&M. TEC, a public company, is in charge of it [ 49 ].

Where does Tuvalu electricity come from?

Tuvalu's power has come from electricity generation facilities that use imported diesel brought in by ships. The Tuvalu Electricity Corporation (TEC) on the main island of Funafuti operates the large power station (2000 kW).