Sasipa, a state-owned utility on Chile's Easter Island has announced a call for expressions of interest (EOI) to identify potential partners for building a 2.994-MW solar project and a battery energy storage system (BESS) of at least 2 MWh.
Rapa Nui Aims for Energy Transition with Solar Project
The remote Chilean Island also called Rapa Nui, currently depends on hydrocarbons for 99% of its energy with only 1% coming from solar power according to Sasipa. The utility aims to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels by integrating a new solar-plus-storage system with an existing thermal power plant it manages.
Rapa Nui’s new solar-plus-storage project aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, integrating solar power with the island's existing thermal power plant.
The solar project will be at a pre-approved site near Mataveri International Airport close to the Mataveri thermal power plant. The island’s current medium voltage is 6.6 kV but with plans to upgrade to 13.2 kV, the solar-plus-storage system must be compatible with this transition.
Competitive Bidding for Solar Plant and BESS Project
The selected bidder will receive a contract to design, construct, monitor and maintain the solar plant and the BESS. The maintenance period will extend for 24 months.
Sasipa has structured the bidding process into two phases. In the first phase, prospective bidders are required to submit their credentials—legal documents, financial statements and records of previous projects—by September 22. Sasipa plans to finalize a shortlist of potential candidates by October 8.
Bidding by pre-qualified candidates and the award phase will commence once Sasipa secures financing for the project from the Inter-American Development Bank. The utility anticipates obtaining the funds by the end of this year.
Sasipa mandates that interested parties adhere to its strict code of conduct and anti-bribery policy. Additionally, solar panel suppliers for this project must provide proof that the panels were not produced using child labour or forced labour.
Transforming Easter Island's Energy Landscape
The goal of this call from the Agricultural and Services Society of Easter Island is to transform the island's current energy generation system, which currently consists of 99% thermal energy from hydrocarbons and 1% solar energy.
This project will not only decrease Easter Island's reliance on fossil fuels but also promote the development of clean energy in one of Chile's most unique locations.
It’s important to note that the island’s medium voltage is currently 6.6 kV. However, all systems must be designed to accommodate a future upgrade to 13.2 kV. Therefore, medium voltage insulation, transformer taps and measurement equipment should be prepared for this higher voltage level without requiring additional investments.