AEG Power Solutions (Zwanenberg, Netherlands) announces that the first “eco” hybrid power station is now fully operational. The complete integrated solution was part of a contract signed with OPT (Office des Postes &Telecommunications) in New Caledonia last year. It combines solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind energy with batteries, and a genset as emergency back-up.
Cap Sommet OPT Telecom site in New Caledonia
11kW PV and 5kW wind turbine capacity
The integrated hybrid system manages the network site power from end-to-end, offering substantial operating costs reduction, security, reliability and a huge carbon footprint improvement. The energy sources comprise a group of solar PV panels, capable of generating up to 11kW, and a 5kW wind turbine, plus 2 set of batteries of 3000Ah. One diesel genset has been kept as a back-up and is started automatically on demand by the “eco” system. The operator is fully satisfied with the solution and awards AEG Power Solutions a contract for another site.
OPT (Office des Postes et Telecommunications) is the local New Caledonia operator, owned by the local government, and is a long time partner of AEG Power Solutions. In 2010 AEG PS was awarded a major contract including DC Systems and UPS, the maintenance of several of the operator’s sites, and a new power solution for OPT’s very remote wireless station of “Cap Sommet”, on a mountain near Bourail on the East coast.
Total Cost of ownership on 10 years to be reduced by almost 70%
AEG Power Solutions hybrid power solution was the perfect match for this challenge. It combines renewable solar and wind energy with battery storage and, when required, a stand-by diesel generator. It manages the network site power from end-to-end, from energy generation to energy storage, including load surveillance and remote supervision.
For OPT, the “eco” system installed is a large one. Satisfied with the solution, OPT asked AEG PS to quote for another BTS site near Lac de Yaté, in the south of the mainland and just agreed on it. “eco” solution at Cap Sommet gives impressive savings : CO2 emissions have been cut by 99%, operating costs (Diesel fuel, fuelling and maintenance) have also been cut by 99% and Total Cost of ownership on 10 years should be reduced by almost 70%.
“It’s a major achievement for us because it’s clearly demonstrates, even in quite extreme conditions, the capabilities of “eco” and the benefits such an installation can bring. Our R&D team has worked with our customer and was able to adjust the system live when we were starting and testing the installation. Demonstrating “eco” benefits is a major step for AEG PS in the Telecom market it’s unique architecture can really help operators to meet their cost and carbon challenges,” explains Dominique Manet VP of the Communication business within the Energy Efficiency SBU of AEG Power Solutions.
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As we’ve mentioned in a previous article, General Electric is thinking of expanding its presence worldwide. Their plans now include a 530 megawatt hybrid power plant in Turkey.