15 September 2012: The Secretariat of the Pacific Community convened a training workshop on renewable energy under the European Union-funded North Pacific African Caribbean Pacific Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (North-REP), for representatives of the four power utility corporations in Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The training was held in Pohnpei, FSM, from 27-31 August.

According to SPC, the training explored issues including the integration of renewable energy technologies in the energy grid, optimization of the power generation mix, design of power systems for remote off-grid areas, budgeting for replacement of parts rather than fuel, cash flow management, and tariff implications. The training sessions utilized HOMER Energy, a software programme that performs simulation, optimization and sensitivity analyses of small to medium-sized power generation systems, with each power utility company modelling its own power generation systems.

According to SPC, a key outcome of the workshop was the conclusion that accurate and updated data is necessary to realistically model systems. Participants learned how varying fuel consumption of diesel generators to reflect actual performance influences the financial viability of photovoltaic systems. In addition it was shown ho the cost of capital (i.e. grant, concessionary loan, commercial loan) can also dramatically alter the optimal power generation mix. [SPC Press Release]