Assessment of Grid Absorption Capacity, Grid Code, Feed-In Tariffs and Model Power Purchase Agreements for Renewable Energy Systems.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Country: SEYCHELLES

Title: SIDS DOCK PROJECT - Estimation of grid absorption capacity for re, preparation of a grid code, feed-in-tariffs and model power purchase agreements for renewable energy systems

Energy Sector

CONSULTING SERVICES

Loan No./Credit No./TF No./Grant No. TF014187

ProjectID No. P143254

Expressions of interest

The Government of Republic of Seychelles has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the SIDS DOCK project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consultant services. The services include

Component 1: Estimation of the grid absorption capacity of the Public Utilities Corporation under current circumstances.

This study will analyse the potential impact of variable renewable generation, including centralised and distributed systems in the electricity system of the island under several scenarios, to evaluate what would be the maximum absorption capacity under current circumstances.

After a prior analysis of the RE potential in the islands, the study will assume a realistic energy mix including PV(utility scale and rooftop PV connected to the grid), wind (small, and large turbines) and the current diesel generation, and will provide recommendations in order to achieve higher levels of RE penetration.

Component 2: Definition of the technical interconnection requirements for RE systems and operational control system needs.

This would comprise the development of a grid code for small scale, medium and utility scale wind turbines and PV systems.This component will include:

• Definition of a grid code for the interconnection of renewable systems to PUC electricity grid. This grid code will describe technical criteria and requirements for inter-connection of Small and Medium ScaleDistributed Generation (SSDG, and MSDG) in consultation with the PUC including voltages and frequency range of operation and requirements to integrate such sources into system operations (e.g. power output andramp control);

The code must cover the followingvariable renewable energy technologies: wind, solar PV, and hybrid systems connected to the Low and Medium Voltage grid, including the relevant differentiations depending on the capacity of the system, technology, application and licensing requirements(as per the provisions of the Energy Bill of the Seychelles).

• Determine the immediate needs with regard to systems control and operations that PUC would need to implement to ensure 5% of variable RE is reliable integrated into the electricity grid by 2020, and further recommendations tobe implemented by 2030 (15% RE target). These actions may include, but not limited to the following: (i) adjustment of the generation control philosophy, (ii) introduction of Automatic Generation control (AGC)or other control function for generation control, (iii) other considerations with regard to voltage management in the grid and generation forecast and scheduling.

Component 3: Design of feed-in-tariffs for wind, PV, biomass, hydro andwaste-to energy systems.

This component will include: (i) Definition of the criteria of eligibility to benefitfrom the feed-in tariff; (ii)Evaluation of the most suitable factors that should be taken into account when defining tariff levels (differentiated by technology type, project size, resource quality, project location or a combination of all these factors);(iii) Definition of the tariff levels: the premiums will be defined according to Seychelles annual targets for renewable share and the capacity of the grid to absorb variability in generation. The premiums will have to attract the interest of the private sector but also take into consideration affordability for consumers and tax payers, and establish the necessary control mechanisms to avoid the installation of a capacity higher than the affordable;(iv) Definition of the degression of the tariffs over the years (if required).

Component 4: Preparation of templates and models for Power Purchase Agreements.

Templates and models will be prepared forall the necessary renewable energy systems, including wind, PV, biomass, hydro, waste-to energy systems and hybrid systems.(see annex 3 forfurther details).

Thestudy shall essentially cover all the feasible renewable energy systems in appropriate bands, as deemed necessary by the Project Team constituted by the consultants and the PUC representatives that will provide guidance to their work.

The duration of consultancy is for 12 weeks with 2 missions undertaken in Seychelles (week 1 and week 12).The Public Utilities Corporation, PUC, now invites eligible consultants/consulting firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants/consulting firms mustprovide information indicating that they are qualified to perform theservices (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). Consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications.

A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (current edition – January 2011).

Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours of 0800 to 1600 hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below by 13th September 2013.

Public Utilities Corporation, PUC

Attn: Mr. Ravin Sunassee

Electricity House, Roche Caiman,

P.O. Box 174, Victoria,

Mahe,

SEYCHELLES

Tel: +248 4678000

Fax: +248 4610739

E-mail: [email protected]