Solar Powered Smart Grids in Haiti: Brownfield Launch and Model Development

Haiti

OPEC FUND provided grant to EarthSpark International to develop and launch a town-sized, solar-powered smart grid in Tiburon, Haiti, with a view to validate a business model and investment plan for the construction of another 40 town-sized solar powered smart micro-grids across the country. The town-sized, solar-powered smart-grid inaugurated in December 2019 and benefited over 200 households directly impacting 1,000 individuals. Project Outcomes: Current configuration of town-sized, solar-powered smart-grid inaugurated December 2019, incudes: - Nameplate Microgrid Capacity (Multicluster limit): 138 kVA - Installed PV kWpeak Generation Capacity: 95.04 kWp - Installed Diesel Generator: 55 kW (prime) - Nominal solar daily power generation: ~485 kWh (peak) - Voltage of the medium-voltage distribution system: 13.2/22.86 kV - Voltage of the low-voltage distribution system: 120/240V (split phase) - Kilometers of distribution line: ~1.6 KM medium voltage, ~3.7 KM low voltage With an ambitious but achievable plan for blended finance for the next 22 grids, EarthSpark is now well-positioned to finally build upon its extensive experience in Haiti to meaningfully scale micro-grid electricity service and the attendant opportunities for growth and resilience to dozens of towns in the next several years. Jul 2020 SK