Blog ENERCAL selects Energy Pool to manage and optimise two microgrids in New Caledonia
An integrated, tailor-made solution to manage and optimise the electrical systems of Maré and the Isle of Pines (New Caledonia), enabling fully decarbonised electricity supply by 2025.
Supporting the Energy Transition through Smart Energy Management
Maré and the Isle of Pines are home to several hotel complexes and have approximately 2,000 and 700 customers respectively. Less than a decade ago, 100% of the electricity produced on both islands came from fossil fuels. While each island now benefits from a small solar power plant that meets part of their annual electricity needs (7% in Maré and 5% on the Isle of Pines), the goal of the energy transition plan led by ENERCAL is to achieve 100% decarbonised electricity for both island grids by 2025.This transition is based on the installation of new photovoltaic renewable energy sources combined with stationary battery storage (microgrids), and to a lesser extent, the future use of biofuels as a complement.
Managing such complex systems, like these two microgrids, requires optimising the use of renewable energy sources as much as possible – and this is where our EMS (Energy Management System) comes into play. Our solution maximises the use of solar power plants through optimised battery management and consumption forecasting. With real-time monitoring, the main objective is to ensure high-quality electricity supply (no outages due to energy sources, stable frequency and voltage, etc.), while maintaining economic balance and prioritising low-carbon energy sources.
“Reducing CO₂ emissions is now our shared top priority. This shift is clearly illustrated by the significant move towards renewable energy. However, this brings increased complexity to managing electrical networks, and performance can suffer if design and operations are not perfectly controlled. This project is fully in line with our strategy to equip all our clients with the tools they need to succeed in their energy transition. We are therefore fully committed to ensuring ENERCAL receives the level of quality and reliability they expect from us.”
— Olivier BAUD, Chairman and Founder of Energy Pool
In addition to the EMS, HYSYS – a New Caledonian company – will bring its automation expertise to ensure the smooth operation of the system. HYSYS is already familiar with the infrastructure, having developed the automation system for the existing diesel power plant.
“This project, which involves commissioning two 1 MW batteries coupled with two 1.5 MW solar power plants, is the foundation of a transition plan that will allow us to power both islands with highly decarbonised electricity. This will save over 3,000 litres of diesel per day on each island. We are convinced that the solution proposed by Energy Pool and HYSYS is the one that will maximise these savings while ensuring system supply security, within a deployment timeline that aligns with our ambitious schedule, and with long-term support.”
— Jean-Gabriel FAGET, Managing Director, ENERCAL