Saba

Saba has continued to transition its fossil fuel electricity production to more renewable energy production since 2018. The island currently has 36-40% of solar PV energy and Battery in its energy production mix. Saba has proposed an expansion of its renewable energy production and penetration to 90% by 2025. Upon successful implementation of this project, Saba Electric company will have 6MWp of Solar PV, 17MWh battery storage and 0.5MW Wind energy mix with our generators becoming more of a standby generation facility with 4.3MVA capacity.

With 90% of RE generation in our distribution network comes the challenge of balancing supply and demand and peak loads. The next iteration of grid modernisation would have to be smart meter technology and field monitoring controlling and forecasting devices to better manage the grid operability and grid optimisation.

Saba Electric is now planning to explore these technologies that will enable it to modernise the distribution grid seamlessly. We are engaging with experts to help us evaluate assess, and determine the feasibility of AMI, grid modernisation, electrification and E-mobility and the impact on the current and future RE supply and grid stability. 

As part of the 30 for 2030 call the following activities are planned: 

Smart Electric Systems – Scalability of the Planned Smart Infrastructure to Integrate Distributed RES and Smart Grid Technology

This project involves a detailed analysis of the planned smart infrastructure to ensure its scalability. It includes identifying other smart grid solutions that could be integrated to enhance performance. Recommendations will be made to optimize the current plans, ensuring efficient integration of distributed renewable energy sources (RES) and advanced smart grid technology.

Roadmap for Implementation of Optimal Solutions Recommended in the SES Study

The project focuses on creating a comprehensive roadmap for implementing the optimal solutions identified in the SES study. This includes analysing existing policies and regulations, as well as engaging end-users to ensure smooth adoption and execution. The roadmap will outline specific actions and timelines necessary for successful implementation.

Plan for Road EV Charging Infrastructure Roll-out

This project aims to define the critical and optimal locations for installing EV charging infrastructure. It will include strategies for managing charging during peak hours using Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) protocols. The project will establish standards for charging, protocols for management, and methods for clearing charging costs, ensuring a seamless rollout and efficient operation of the EV charging network.

Analysis of the Optimal Way to Integrate Centralized (St. Eustatius) and/or Decentralized RES + EV Charging Infrastructure into One Grid Management System (SES)

The study will investigate how to integrate centralized and decentralized renewable energy sources with EV charging infrastructure into a single grid management system. It will focus on increasing grid visibility and utilizing smart devices to improve grid management. The goal is to ensure a secure supply and optimal usage of renewable energy.

Analysis of the Additional RES or Innovative Technologies Needed for Reaching 100% RES for Each of the BES Islands

This project involves conducting workshops or studies to enhance knowledge about renewable energy technologies on the BES islands. The focus will be on increasing the visibility of the techno-economic options available for different technologies. The project aims to identify additional renewable energy sources or innovative technologies required to achieve 100% renewable energy for each island.

Find out more about the work on Saba and watch the video.