Busy November for renewable projects
Te Aponga Uira will pick up the pace in the progression toward renewable energy objectives next month with three separate programmes entering key phases of development. As such, November is shaping up to be busy month of scheduled planning and implementation.
The three programmes involve the return visit to Rarotonga in November by the design consultant for the solar installation projects for the Ministry of Education and TAU; a study to investigate the installation of a 500kW waste-to-energy plant; and a further investigation into the potential for energy storage for electricity purposes.
In terms of the Education and TAU installations, designer Shay Brazier from New Zealand conducted successful briefings and consultations with the business community, technicians, and government officials, last week. With strong support from NZAID and the NZ Government, TAU is pleased to be working closely to ensure the stakeholders are fully engaged with the project as it moves forward. The consultations thus far have scoped the range of technical issues and the design consultant will be undertaking fuller investigations of the specification requirements for the job upon his return. The local energy business community is anticipating the job requirements from Brazier with keen interest and TAU is fully supportive of the approach taken to keep the interested parties as fully informed as possible. Local businesses will be bidding for the installation contract jobs for Tereora College, the Education Ministry building, and TAU.
Tenders being launched at the same time this week will be promoting feasibility studies for two projects. As a result of a TAU Implementation Strategy – to maximize renewable energy contribution to Rarotonga power – one study will be into the production of energy from waste. This study will assist TAU in developing and planning for significant investment in waste-to-energy production, either as a stand-alone system or connected to the Rarotonga distribution network. The study will provide the necessary foundation leading to design recommendations for the further tendering of final specifications, and construction, in 2013.
TAU will be seeking further expressions of interest for a second feasibility study in November, into the potential of building energy storage facilities. The scope of this study also includes the future development of both solar and wind systems and construction of plants, starting in 2013.

Herald Issue 554 09 March
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