10
ELECTRICITY ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENCY AMIDST
CLIMATE CHANGE
10.1
Background
A continuous and adequate supply of electricity energy will be a prerequisite for the sustainable development of Rodrigues. This is particularly crucial as the island has no hydro power and is devoid of fossil fuels. Unlike Mauritius where 25% of electricity energy generated is from renewable sources, the share is less than 10% in Rodrigues. The Island relies solely on the Central Electricity Board (CEB) to meet the current demand of around 27.1 GWh with light and heavy oil. Solar water heating has a very low penetration although there is good potential. Ensuring environmental/ecological sustainability remains one of the major preoccupations of the SIDPR. As a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol in May 2001, Rodrigues (as part of the Republic of Mauritius) has to implement measures to foster economically efficient means to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. In the energy sector, this would influence the choice of energy generation technologies. Continued dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation will only increase GHG emissions. So Mauritius and Rodrigues in particular, are ‘challenged to develop strategies to reduce and mitigate GHG emissions while continuing to contribute to a growing economy.’
In a thought-provoking report24 in 2007, the authors claimed that “[…] Rodrigues Island can technically promote a strategy of energy security and self-sufficiency 2007-2010 – 2015-2020 using 100% Renewable electricity”. They further noted that:
• Hydro energy and micro hydraulic can be used for water distribution, storage of wind energy and desalination;
• Energy from ocean swell and hydro energy currents are long term resources to be investigated;
• Thermal energy from oceans has real potential for future water supply and a diverse economic sector which is to be studied;
• Wind energy is a major energy source in short term energy strategies;
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ARER (Reunion’s Regional Agency) and Island NEWS, “Electricity Energy self-sufficiency strategy for Rodrigues, security supply, Sustainable Development and Climate Change, 100% Renewable energy -2007-2012-2020,” (2007)
“Confronted to climate change, the topic of energy and water security is a key factor for our islands: they are very vulnerable and must prepare themselves for this climate change rapidly
and thoroughly. […] Sustainable development and climate change are interdependent.” - ARER, 2007
• Biomass (from forests) is a major energy source, an important economic sector and a crucial area for Rodrigues to adapt to climate change;
• Solar energy in the short term plan is for solar powered water heaters for tourist sector, individual housing sector to be evaluated;
• Solar photovoltaic is for specific uses; and
• Non-consumed energy and energy management present significant short term potential, profitable and easy to implement.
However, according to the same report, international and regional cooperation of islands is a must due to the following:
• There is an urgent global need to alleviate the effects of atmospheric warming and to limit greenhouse gas emissions;
• Global warming affects directly small islands such as Rodrigues;
• Insular wealth represents a large percentage of global biodiversity with 4,000 territories and 500 million inhabitants;
• Several islands have economic vulnerability in terms of sustainability and cost of energy supply;
• The gap between developed and developing islands in terms of access to energy; • Increasing population and energy needs of several islands; and
• The opportunity to experiment future global sustainable energy strategies at smaller levels over short periods of time in smaller economies.
10.1.1 Climate Change phenomena
Climate change is known as a global phenomenon. This is due to increasing global carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen oxide levels which is in turn due to human activity. While the increase in carbon dioxide is mainly due to fossil fuels and changes in land use, the increase in methane and nitrogen oxide levels are due to agriculture. The proof of climate change can be seen through the observations of average global sea and air temperature, the melting of snow and ice and the rise in the average global sea level.
In this respect, all countries are taking appropriate measures such as increasing or maintaining the forest area and shifting from non-renewable energy to renewable energy to adapt to climate
“The impact of climate change on the islands of the Indian Ocean will continue to increase. From citizens to the highest level of State governance, everybody must act”
change. As ARER (2007) mentioned “Our islands must prepare for climate change rapidly and thoroughly”. Rodrigues is not an exception to this list and must devise strategies to adapt as well.
“In terms of energy, sustainable development and climate change, our islands are very vulnerable with a range of phenomena already present and which are likely to continue”, ARER(2007). Table 10.1 shows the range of climate change phenomena and their likelihood to happen.
Table 10.1: Range of climate change phenomena
Source: ARER, 2007
Rodrigues has also been subject to phenomena in terms of climate change. The most recent ones are:
• Tsunamis in the Indian Ocean which has affected the coasts of Mauritius and Rodrigues in December 2004;
• Heavy rainfall during short periods of time; • Persistent droughts over several months; and
10.1.1.1 Climate change and sustainable development
The interdependency between sustainable development and climate change is explained by ARER (2007) as: “Sustainable development amongst insulated societies is only meaningful if it takes into account the immediacy of climate change, considers the capacity of adaptation of human societies to this serious phenomenon and works towards a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions”. Exhibit 10.1 below displays the interdependency between climate change and sustainable development.
Exhibit 10.1 - synoptic CC/DD-WG3-WG2 IPCC-February 2005 Saint Denis –Author ARER
Source: ARER, 2007
However, ARER pointed out that “Beyond the problems linked to climate change, the current energy situation is not sustainable because it is largely dependent on non-renewable natural resources”. In this respect, they further mention that “The cost and end of fossil reserves are determining factors in global economic instability, and therefore in energy security of our islands”.
10.2
Situational Analysis of the Energy Sector
10.2.1 Current Situation
All households in Rodrigues are now electrified. One of the main reasons for the high cost of providing electricity to domestic consumers has been the dispersed settlement patterns in
“Sustainable development and climate change are
interdependent”
Rodrigues. A major increase in the demand for electricity can be expected with the process of economic developments over the years.
This section provides an overview of the historical development and the current status of the different existing types of renewable and non-renewable energy.
10.2.1.1 Historical development
The Port Mathurin Electricity Co. generated electricity from its diesel plant until June 1972 when the company was shut down. The CEB, which is the main supplier of electricity in Rodrigues, inaugurated its Port Mathurin station in November 1972. The Rodrigues electrification programme began way back then and was completed in 1994 when the last six villages were lit up. Although the Rodriguan operations do not break even, CEB has continued its expansion programme to meet the domestic and commercial demand as part of its contribution to the socio-economic development of the island. The same tariff structure is applicable to Rodrigues as for Mauritius.
The energy sector falls under the Commission of Infrastructure including Highways and roads and Public Buildings and Utilities; Environment; Housing; Marine Parks; and Transport.
10.2.1.2 Non-renewable energy
Power Generation from Oil
The CEB supplies electrical energy through the combustion of heavy and light oil at the two power stations situated at Port Mathurin and Pointe Monnier with a total capacity of 10 MW installed capacity and 9.4 MW effective capacity. The total installed capacity at Port Mathurin is of 6 MW comprised of six 500 KW and three 1 MW units; while the first phase of the Pointe Monnier development provided for the installation of two 1.9 MW internal combustion engines that run on heavy fuel oil.
There is space at the Pointe Monnier power station ‘for two additional phases comprising the addition of two engines similar to Phase 1. The Pointe Monnier site will serve the needs of Rodrigues for power generation to well beyond 2012’25.
This means that energy requirements are largely met from imports. Some data on electricity produced and fuel imports for the period 2000 to 2006 are given below.
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Table 10.2: Electricity production and the quantity of fuel used for the production of electricity, 2000 - 2006 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Fuel oil (tones) 4,172 4,328 4,671 4,392 4,777 6,909 6,572 Diesel oil (tonnes) 542 585 710 1,472 1,633 217 299 Electricity production (GWh) 19.6 20.6 22.6 24.4 27.2 30.0 30.8
Source: Central Electricity Board, Rodrigues
10.2.1.3 Renewable energy
Wind and Solar power
Good wind regime is favourable for the installation of wind turbines. The three turbines of make Vergnet at Trèfles have been performing well and contributing 180 kW to the national grid on an experimental basis. Installation on a wider “farm” scale, which is planned, will further reduce the dependence on imported fossil fuels and will be a positive contribution to environmental-friendly development. The noise may be disturbing but there have not been any major objections. An environmental impact assessment has been carried out to get the feeling of the population concerned. Wind turbines and Photovoltaic (PV) systems for water pumping is also possible.
Potential for solar power for domestic use
Table 10.3 shows the number of households using the various principal fuels for heating bath water for the census year 2000. Only a relatively small number, 73, of households use solar energy.
Table 10.3: Principal fuel used for heating bath water, 2000
Electricity Gas Solar Other None Total
454 471 73 154 7499 8651
Source: Central Statistics Office, Household and Population Census, 2000
The domestic market for solar water heaters is quite small with 37,000 people representing 7,000 – 8,000 households. There is no manufacturer of solar water heaters in Rodrigues, leaving no alternative but to import. On an average basis a solar water heater apparatus costs about Rs 20,000 but the retail price could be much higher depending on the capacity and model type.
Only households in the middle or upper-middle and the relatively better off will be able to afford such systems. It, therefore, would be appropriate to survey the income or revenue of the householders in Rodrigues and to determine the hot water requirements of the Rodriguans and the type of energy used to meet such requirements (such as electricity, LPG, wood and so forth). Solar water heaters would also find its applications in integrated housing projects, government buildings, schools, and hotels.
It is perceived that in general people hesitate to invest in such systems primarily because it is a long term investment. They would need to be convinced of the savings to be gained with such systems and also from the environmental perspective.
Scattered housing and types of houses actually existing do not favour utilisation of solar energy systems. Vulnerable groups are not able to have solar water systems. The unavailability of reliable water supply complicates the situation. Access to relatively poor households is difficult. The challenge is to make this form of energy accessible to all, particularly the most vulnerable ones.
10.2.1.4 Energy Generation from both renewable and non-renewable resources
In 2006, there were 3 electricity plants. The average electricity generation cost per unit for 2006 is estimated at 4.7 Rs/kWh according to ARER. The table below provides a summary of the energy source, effective capacity and electricity generation among others which have been discussed above.
Table 10.4: Rodrigues power stations, effective capacity and electricity generation 2006
10.2.1.5 Electricity Consumption
Electricity energy is utilised in various sectors – industrial, commercial, households, and hotels. Electricity consumption by sector is shown in Table 10.5, the biggest consumer being the domestic sector followed by the commercial and the industrial sectors respectively.
Table 10.6 shows an increase of 1.8 MW in the peak demand of electricity between 2000 and 2006.
Table 10.6: The increase in the peak demand of electricity for the period 2000-2006
Year Peak Demand (MW)
2000 3.8 2001 4.2 2002 4.4 2003 4.8 2004 5.6 2005 6.0 20061 5.7
Source: Central Electricity Board, Rodrigues
1provisional
The demand (except for 2006 which shows a provisional figure) is expected to rise due to increasing population and expected economic developments. Therefore, ways and means must be found to address the increase. Currently, the supply of electricity is able to meet the demand and provision exists at Pointe Monnier for the installation of more generating capacity.
Table 10.5: Electricity consumption by class of consumer - Island of Rodrigues, 2002-2006
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Class of Consumers No of consumers Consumpti on (MWh) No of consume rs Consumpti on (MWh) No of consume rs Consumpti on (MWh) No of consume rs Consumpti on (MWh) No of consume rs Consumpti on (MWh) Domestic 8954 11411 9136 11957 9347 12639 9651 14255 9986 14443 Commercial 976 5230 982 6222 689 7067 1025 8206 1029 7723 Industrial & Others 190 1517 167 1670 180 2194 191 2779 195 2486 Total 10,120 18,158 10,285 19,849 10,516 21,900 10,867 25,240 11,210 24,652
10.2.1.6 The Distribution Network
The network begins at the Port Mathurin power station from where electricity is distributed through four feeders operating at a voltage of 22 kV. The shortest feeder is 5 km long and serves the Port Mathurin area. The other three feeders average 25 km in length and provide electricity services to all parts of the island. Each of the four feeders is secured by another feeder line to provide security in the event of faults occurring on the primary distribution network.
The 22 kV network comprises of a total of some 130 km of overhead lines. Some under grounding of the network has taken place in Roche Bon Dieu and at Songes.
The system power factor is 0.95, and this high power factor can be attributed to the relatively low level of industrial activity that would otherwise contribute to larger reactive power consumption. The average yearly loss over the last ten year has been estimated at the acceptable level of 10.8%.
10.2.1.7 Capacity, demand, production and sale of electricity
The following table provides an historical overview of the electricity situation for Rodrigues.
Table 10.7: Capacity Demand, Production and Sales for the period 1989 to 2006
10.2.1.8
The above table shows the recent trend in the installed capacity, maximum demand, production, sales and number of customers for the period 1989 to 2006. After having been with an installed
Source: ARER, 2007 *ARER estimation
capacity of 6MW for six years (1999 to 2003), additional capacities were installed to reach 9.8 MW in 2004 and 14 MW in 2006. The maximum demand has doubled over the past 8 years to reach 6.5 MW in 2006. Both the production and the sales of electricity have been rising at the same pace with the former always being greater than the latter. As expected the number of customers has also been increasing to reach 11,144 in 2006 representing an increase of 100% during the period 1989 to 2006. All the above figures provide an indication of the rising trend of each of the indicators mentioned above and the need to further increase the installed capacity to meet the increasing demand requirements.
10.2.1.9 Energy Supply
Wind power is the only locally exploited energy source whereas heavy fuel oil (HFO) and diesel are imported. Wind power for the year 2006 was 410 MWh which is equivalent to 35 toe26. Energy from HFO and diesel was 7,500 m3, i.e. 6,711 toe27 and 270 m3 i.e. 225 toe28 respectively.
Table 10.8: Energy supply for the year 2006
Source: ARER, 2007
10.3
Core Issues identified in Rodrigues
The core issues in the energy sector are as follows:
• Whilst the contribution of renewable energy has remained very small (produced by the wind turbines only), there are not enough efforts by the authorities concerned to increase contribution of renewable energy:
• Wind: Only three wind turbines are currently in operation. • Solar:
- Relatively low penetration as opposed to Mauritius and neighbouring Reunion Island; - There are no manufacturer of solar water heater in Rodrigues;
26
For windpower, solar electricity, hydroelectricity, 1 MWh generation is equivalent to 0.086 toe supply.
27 HFO: density = 0.94kg/l; energy equivalence for 1 ton HFO=0.952 toe. 28
- No plans for photovoltaic production despite the enormous potential it represents (as witnessed in Reunion and other small islands);
• Hydro: There is no hydro power station • Ocean: still represent an untapped potential; • Lack of awareness to:
- Benefits of renewable energy, such as the long term savings which SWH can bring; and - climate change implications
• Wood is still being used for cooking purposes thus: - Threatening the environment; and
- Causing health hasards;
• Lack of preparedness of the island to adapt to climate change.
10.4
Way Forward
10.4.1 Overarching goal
Following the ARER report on “Electricity Energy Self-sufficiency Strategy for Rodrigues, Security Supply, Sustainable Development and Climate Change 100% Renewable energy”, it has become clear that the potential for less dependence on fossil fuels but more reliance on renewable energy in the
medium to longer terms, are real possibilities that the Rodriguan authorities should seriously consider. The overarching goal of the SIDPR for the energy sector, therefore, is to adapt to climate change and ensure energy security for Rodrigues by working towards self-sufficiency in electricity energy by 2025.
10.4.2 Strategies and goals
The following strategies and goals have been formulated in
order to achieve the overarching goal: 1 Security of energy supply;
2 Exploiting the potential of the wind energy;
3 Leveraging forestry/biomass as a source of energy, an major area for Rodrigues to adapt to climate change, and a source of income for a section of the population;
4 Increasing the solar energy penetration;
5 Energy management, awareness raising, and disaster preparedness; and 6 Developing partnerships with islands of the Indian Ocean and other countries.
10.5
Strategies
10.5.1 Ensuring security of energy supply
In the short term Rodrigues will rely on traditional or conventional fuels for its energy supplies. However, in the medium and long terms the island will have to tap its own available fuel resources to meet its growing demand and in the form of hybrid systems. This strategy will enable Rodrigues to become less dependent on imported fuel supplies and to develop its renewable energy potential to make energy and related services accessible to every Rodriguan.
10.5.1.1 Hydro energy, micro hydraulic for water distribution, storage for wind energy,
desalination and ocean energy
Small hydraulic systems can be built on different sites for storage and supply of wind, solar and other renewable energy. The position of the hydraulic systems must be shown in a detailed map. The site of Grenade has all the necessary characteristics to become an integrated zone of ecological industrial activity for water production, waste management, energy production and material production.
Energy from ocean
Part of the coastal zone shows favourable conditions for exploiting energy from swell. The region between Pointe Coton and Port Sud-Est has no lagoon and it would allow easy connection to the CEB network. This potential resource represents a medium to long term resource. However, the evaluation of the potential must be mapped and its compatibility with Megapteras who often visits the north of the island must be checked.
Hydro energy
The ‘Grande Passe’ of Port Sud-Est is a suitable place for hydro-turbines and energy from current is possible at that place. The large pass of Port Sud-Est can accommodate a micro-system which has been developed by an Australian company.
Thermal energy
In the long term to conduct a feasibility study for a solar thermal power plant for the production of energy for sustainable development and for the production of water through desalination of sea water. Such systems can meet the water requirements in the hotel industry. It will also have a wider socio economic fall-out which will need to be assessed.
A feasibility study for an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Power Plant for Rodrigues is suggested. OTEC is very promising as an alternative energy resource for tropical island countries that depend substantially on imported fuel. Such power plants have the potential to improve their standard of living.
An evaluation of this sector must be carried out and could be conducted by the Mauritius Research Council.
10.5.2 Exploiting the potential of wind energy
There is significant potential to exploit wind as an energy source in Rodrigues. An Atlas of wind sources with suitable sites which are far from houses has to be established. It must also comprise of technical links to the CEB network and/or to the hydraulic stations of stocks of intermittent energy.
The atlas will guarantee the rational development of wind power while respecting the landscape. The local planning department will also have to be aware of the atlas.
There are provisions of installations of 10 turbines of 220 kW at Grenade which would amount to 2.2 MWh. The first machine of 200 kW will be installed in 2009. The details are shown in table 10.9.
Table 10.9: Rodrigues future power stations, effective capacity and electricity generation
10.5.3 Biomass/Forestry as a source of energy and adaptation to climate change
The strategy to leverage biomass as a source of energy and a major area for Rodrigues to adapt to climate change should be seriously explored. Biomass is major energy source and is also a crucial area for Rodrigues to adapt to climate change. Following the ARER report, it is recommended to explore further the points below:
• Re-afforestation of the island as part of a wider forest strategy. The potential to have 4,500 to 5,500 hectares of forest out of a total area surface of 10,000 hectares should be explored. Issues that need to be sorted out, however, are plant varieties, water availability, regions to be covered, feasibility of small private sector projects, and potential of the initiative to support livelihoods;
• Planting of coconut trees along the coast of the island. The target of 10,000 coconut trees planted (covering some 50 hectares of land) is to studied;
• Development of a multi-functioning ecological sector for houses and gardens for the 11,000 houses in the island;
• Establishment of some 90 forest village projects (bamboo, vetiver, vacoas, medicinal plants) with a potential of one or two hectares per village;
• Investment in a unit of gasification of biomass for electrical and heating energy in the quest of self sufficiency; and
• Reinstatement of the waste depot at Roche Bon Dieu and the ecological industrial zone at Grenade.
10.5.4 Increasing the solar energy penetration
10.5.4.1 Short term plan
In the short term solar energy can be utilised for: • domestic water heating;
• heating of the water for luxury hotels; and • heating of the water of swimming pools.
The emphasis is more on areas where settlements are not dispersed but also the tourism industry (including hotels).
About 300 solar water heaters for the tourism sector (hotels, guest houses, tables/chambres d’hotes, etc) could be needed. However, care must be given to quality especially regarding corrosion.
The strategy of increasing solar energy penetration fits well under the strategy to have a continuous water supply by end 2010 in Rodrigues. Failure to have continuous water supply could discourage households from investing in costly apparatus.
Sensitisation campaigns are also needed to make people aware of the savings associated with solar water heaters despite the relatively high initial costs.
A detailed study of solar water heater for hospitals, schools, scattered houses and types of buildings has to be undertaken to determine the compatibility of the installation of solar water heater with such them.
10.5.4.2 Long term
An equipment programme for photovoltaic supply of building energy autonomy is proposed. The targeted buildings to be equipped are public or semi-public buildings such as airport, the power station, the schools (both primary and secondary), government buildings. This would require some 1MWc of photovoltaic power. Other sites can be envisaged to be equipped as well. Furthermore, a feasibility study for this sector must be carried out for specific uses.
10.5.5 Energy management and disaster preparedness
10.5.5.1 Non-consumed energy
The following measures as proposed by ARER are noteworthy:
• The RRA and the CEB can distribute 44,000 low energy bulbs through a distribution campaigns;
• All current hotels, tables d’hotes and gites must be subject to systematic audits in order to reduce electricity bills by 20%;
• Buildings (Hospitals, cold rooms, etc) with potentially high electricity consumption must be subject to a study;
• Energy savings must be managed by a ‘Mr/Mrs Energy’. The RRA must set the example by communicating the message; and
• The RRA and the CEB has to organise regular awareness campaigns in schools and radio.
10.5.5.2 Tariffs
In terms of tariffs, the need will be to maintain a uniform tariff for the Republic. There should however be more transparency on the level of subsidisation that Rodrigues is benefiting from. At another level, providing for greater cross subsidisation between different users, for example
to encourage the shift to solar energy for water heating should be considered. This again would require an in-depth study on the possible impact of tariff changes.
10.5.5.3 Awareness campaigns
Create the necessary awareness in the population on energy issues - production, utilisation, conservation and renewable energy resources.
The school curriculum should include a dose or a module on energy and related issues and the need to preserve. There should be an introduction to renewable energy resources and the potential for Rodrigues.
10.5.5.4 Training/courses
Training of necessary manpower to ensure sustainable maintenance of such renewable energy technologies and systems
10.5.5.5 Studies recommended
Some of these studies have been suggested which could be undertaken if external funding could be obtained through specialised UN agencies or under taken as a Research project with the support of the Mauritius Research Council. Such a research activity would have a greater positive impact if an appropriately qualified Rodriguan graduate/post graduate student could be identified to work on the project under the guidance of the CEB.
10.5.6 Develop partnerships with islands of the Indian Ocean and regional countries ARER observed that “All islands in the Indian Ocean are currently experiencing a large rise in their energy dependency on fossil fuels, despite all their enormous reserves of renewable energies”. In this context, ARER proposed to “… develop strategies for each island and join together at a regional level for a common action plan on renewable energies and energy management”. However, this will only be possible through the organisation of more bilateral agreements of cooperation between Rodrigues and other islands in the Indian Ocean.
10.6
Concluding Remarks
The energy sector is crucial for the sustained development of the island and the growth of the economy will march hand in hand with that of energy demand. The CEB has succeeded in meeting the growing demand for energy, to an extent by continuing to rely on non-renewable sources and carrying the financial burden. With the expected further increases in fuel costs globally, the CEB faces the challenge of ‘maintaining a fair balance of its costs which will determine the production costs of all local industries, and its tariffs which will affect all consumer categories and all sectors of the economy.’29 It also faces the added challenge of
29
shifting to renewable sources in its objective to be ‘environmentally correct’ and financially sustainable by reducing production and operating costs while improving customer relations and increasing the value of service provided.
The policy framework for energy is largely determined by the main office in Curepipe but the specificities of Rodrigues are taken into account when formulating major policy changes. As mentioned above, the non-renewable to renewable energy sources are less favourable in Rodrigues (less than 10% to total energy generated as compared to around 25% in Mauritius). The main reason for this is the availability of bagasse and hydro power – both of which are non-existent in Rodrigues where the only renewable sources of energy are wind, solar, tidal waves and waste. The SIDPR could provide the platform for going ahead with preliminary feasibility studies on these renewable sources of energy which may not be attractive to the CEB given the current financial constraints.
