A full trial is to be carried out to see whether the sun’s energy can produce electricity efficiently and affordably for the national power supply.

Details of a study into the viability of a solar energy system were discussed yesterday by partners who had gathered at a seminar in the Seychelles Fishing Authority’s training room.

This formed part of a project – funded by the Global Environment Facility – whose overall aim is to increase the use of renewable technologies as a sustainable way of generating power.

The need for a new approach was made clear in June 2008 when oil prices skyrocketed to as high as US $147 per barrel, a situation that dealt a severe blow to Seychelles which depends almost completely on fossil fuels for its electricity.

To try to prevent a similar situation affecting Seychelles as badly again, a new energy policy was drafted with the help of the United Nations Development Fund, highlighting some key areas for consideration, and endorsed by the Cabinet in 2009.

Yesterday’s seminar, which looked at the viability of having solar photovoltaic (PV) energy adding power to the national grid, was attended by the principal secretary for transport and energy Philippe Morin and the new chief executive of the Seychelles Energy Commission, Andrew Jean-Louis.

“An energy steering committee was set up to develop the energy sector, especially in the production of electricity, which we are doing with the investigation of renewable energy sources,” said Mr Jean-Louis.

“This project is helping us to achieve that, although we also need to look at legislation since only the Public Utilities Corporation has the mandate to provide the country with electricity. Others can produce it, but only for their own personal consumption and they are not allowed to sell it to the public.”

Mr Jean-Louis said the PV system is a good form of technology but needs to be properly assessed to see how viable it would be for Seychelles.

Mr Morin said the project includes installing three pilot grid-tied PV systems of sizes ranging from 2kWp to 20kWp on the main islands.

“In order to effectively protect itself from external fuel price volatility and to ensure security of energy, Seychelles aims to move away from its over-dependence on imported fossil fuel,” he said.

He added that Seychelles could benefit greatly from exploring renewable energy sources.

“Also of considerable importance and relevance is the 7MW windfarm project that Seychelles is carrying out with the support of the government of Abu Dhabi,” said Mr Morin.

 

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