The cost of isolation

In remote areas, such as islands for example, the power grid cannot be linked to interconnected networks. Power production is therefore local. It is usually based on generator groups. But this solution has disadvantages :

• - High cost : the need to import oil, high transport costs adding to the price of the fuel
• - High dependency on oil-producing countries, and exposure to geopolitical risks
• - Vulnerability to oil price rises
• - High greenhouse gas emissions

Wind power, a pertinent solution for isolated sites

For these regions, adding wind power to the energy mix considerably reduces these disadvantages. Wind power is a permanent local resource, efficient and non-polluting.
It has a beneficial effect on public finances, reducing the energy bill while attracting carbon credits.

Sites with severe contraints

Remote sites are often subject to various constraints :

• - Weak or unstable grids
• - Power production unable to meet demand due to the small size of the grid
• - Lack of local resources (civil engineering, experienced technicians)

Successful Vergnet solutions

For 20 years, Vergnet has been installing wind turbines in the most inaccessible sites, particularly on islands. Widely renowned and proven, our solutions are based on four key principles :

• - Turbines must be easy to transport and install
• - The electrical design must work with weak grids
• - The operating system must allow output to be regulated to suit demand
• - We must have technical teams on the ground around the world, allowing Vergnet technology to be transferred effectively and sustainably at any site

Autonomous systems, also called wind-diesel solutions, are often presented as complicated systems requiring complex engineering and heavy investment. In Europe, the emphasis has been placed on very efficient but costly high-penetration systems. In contrast, very little effort has been put into developing simple inexpensive systems for Farwind regions. Vergnet has developed solutions adapted to any need, as presented in its EWEC 2010.

Some examples of our installations

• - In Australia, the Coral Bay tourist resort is not connected to the national grid and was powered by diesel generators. To support the region's tourist development and put it on a secure footing, Western Power installed new diesel capacity as well three GEV MP turbines to take advantage of the excellent wind flow and reduce the energy bill.
• - On Vanuatu, 11 GEV MP turbines are connected to the local grid. The turbines are designed to operate perfectly despite the weak local grid. Maintenance is carried out by local teams trained by Vergnet Pacific.