New grid code to ensure proper functioning of electricity system |15 June 2018

The setting up of the national electricity grid code will remove barriers, and unlock access to bigger funds, not just for foreign investors, but also for locals and the country as well.

Principal secretary for energy and climate change in the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (MEECC), Wills Agricole made the statement yesterday at the launch of a workshop in line with the new grid code for Seychelles.

The working session which took place at the Eden Bleu Hotel, Eden Island was attended by Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Wallace Cosgrow, board members and management personnel of the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC), representatives of the DNV GL which provided technical help, local electrical contractors and solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, along with other stakeholders.

Its main aim was to enlighten the stakeholders on the set of guidelines and standards that users must follow before connecting a facility to the electricity network.

It was also the opportunity for the stakeholders to ask questions and also express their opinions on the standards and guidelines proposed in the document.

A grid code is a technical specification which defines the parameters of a facility – an electricity generating plant, or a consumer – connected to an electric network has to meet to ensure safe, secure and economic proper functioning of the electric system.

The new grid has been built on the existing technical standards that are already being followed to connect to the PUC grid and in addition prepares for the future increase in renewable energy.

These standards must be followed by all users of the grid to ensure a safe and secure operation and expansion of the electricity network.

The grid code will also reduce the risk for investors and ensure a fair treatment for all users of the grid.

PS Agricole noted that the grid code will formalise the electricity standards that are currently being followed, while it helps PUC, investors, electrical contractors and PV installers to prepare for the connection of more renewable energy to the grid.

He also explained that, for investors, these kinds of documents can reduce project risks and lower the financing costs, therefore reducing the final price of the commodity for the consumers.

During yesterday’s session, those present were briefed through various presentations, notably by energy engineer at the PUC, Dr Laurent Sam, principal officer for renewable energy and energy management unit within the Seychelles Energy Commission(SEC) Cynthia Alexander; Theodore Marguerite, principal policy analyst within the MEECC, along with  Eelco Kruizinga and Andrea Mansoldo of the DNV GL.

The grid was fully financed to the tune of approximately US $50,000 by the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) and has been developed by consultants from the DNV GL with the specific conditions of the Seychelles in mind.

PUC has been acting as the focal point for the consultants and has been reviewing the drafts of the grid code throughout its development, together with the SEC and MEECC.

The work, which has taken almost a year, has resulted in a comprehensive document covering standards for network planning, connections, day-to-day operations, information exchange, as well as testing and monitoring.