The Solar Power Development Project will finance (i) a grid-connected solar power plant with a capacity of 6 megawatts (MW) of alternating current; and (ii) a 2. 5-megawatt-hour, 5 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) to enable smoothing of intermittent solar energy.
Can solar photovoltaics be used as an energy source on Nauru?
While Nauru is currently 100% electrified by grid-distributed power, the government has considered and continues to explore the use of solar photovoltaics as an energy source. This interest was first indicated at the 1995 South Pacific Forum Meeting.
There are only a small number of solar hot-water systems on the island, most of which are in need of substantial maintenance. Solar photovoltaics have not been used as an energy source on Nauru as the island is 100% electrified by grid-distributed power.
The renewable energy sources in Nauru are solar radiation and a small amount of biomass. However, as the electricity is supplied from diesel generation and has been abundantly available over the past 80 years, these other renewable energy sources have not been extensively exploited.
Why is there limited interest in solar applications on Nauru?
As all energy on Nauru is provided from predominantly fossil fuels (electricity generation), there has only been a limited interest shown in solar applications. Nauru being located nearly on the equator limits the need for hot water for domestic applications.
How will Nauru Utilities Corporation benefit from project preparatory technical assistance?
The project will also support the institutional strengthening of Nauru Utilities Corporation. Project preparatory technical assistance was used to carry out project-enabling activities such as a Solar Power Expansion Plan for Nauru, project feasibility study, detailed design, and plant procurement contract bidding documents.