Small Scale Renewable Energy Resources Assessment for Newfoundland

• Main Authors: Fisher, K., Iqbal, Tariq, Fisher, A.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: The Harris Centre 2008
• Subjects: Newfoundland; Canada
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/210/; https://research.library.mun.ca/210/1/small_scale_renewable_energy.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/210/3/small_scale_renewable_energy.pdf; https://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/media/production/memorial/administrative/the-harris-centre/media-library/reports/arf/2008/ARF08_FisherIqbal_SmallScaleEnergy.pdf

This paper is intended as a preliminary review and analysis of the potential for small scale hydro and wind projects on the island of Newfoundland, Canada. Despite good wind and hydro resources the province uses thermal generation for about 20% of its energy requirements. Currently, Newfoundland is considering a multi billion dollar transmission line to bring hydro power from Labrador to the island and replace thermal generation. The alternative given by the province is to continue with one of various thermal generation options. This study is intended to determine whether small scale hydro and wind energy projects warrant consideration as another future generation option, and whether they could potentially replace thermal generation. To determine the total potential for small hydro and wind within the island power system several different areas are studied. Firstly, updated hydro resource potential is considered through RETScreen analysis of sites from a previous small hydro study. Wind resource potential is also analysed briefly using both island resource information and wind penetration research to gauge total potential. Finally, the ability of these projects to meet future energy demand is analysed through simplified island system simulations. It was found that there is a very large small hydro and wind resource potential available on the island and that these small projects merit consideration as a future generation option, with the potential to replace thermal generation.