Rottnest Island Renewable Energy Feasibility Assessment
Resources & Energy
- The existing diesel and gas energy generation technologies were inefficient, expensive and resulted in logistical and safety concerns for the Rottnest Island Authority. Decommissioning of gas bottle arrangement and replacement with newer and more efficient technologies was seen to be a readily achievable solution, which would also remove logistical and safety hazards. Greater input of renewable energy supplies would also reduce reliance of diesel importation the island.
- Both a centralised (Renewable Energy Microgrid) and decentralised energy approach were considered, which required various upgrades to existing infrastructure. Both approaches were seen to provide great additional value to the RIA, where it would then be possible to better serve and control development moving forward, and ensure all works were in line with the Sustainability Action Plan.
- Various funding models were presented to the Rottnest Island Authority for possible implementation and operation of recommended energy infrastructure. This provided the RIA with several options to amend energy infrastructure management, and possible means of greatly improving profitability.
- Due to the isolated and detached nature of Rottnest Island, the existing energy related infrastructure is unique and generally reactionary to development of technology at the time. The current arrangement of Energy supply for Rottnest Island includes a Diesel Generated power plant supplying more than half of the total energy consumed, an existing wind turbine, an extensive gas bottle system and proposed solar PV array project expected to be completed following the energy assessment. As part of the review, it was noted that the current diesel and gas systems were quite outdated, and posed a number of transport, logistical and safety concerns for island. In addition, several areas of existing infrastructure linking energy supplies were resulting in poor efficiencies of energy usage.
As part of the broader master planning and sustainable development objectives for Rottnest Island, the Rottnest Island Authority developed a Sustainability Action Plan, aiming to provide a framework and targets for various aspects of island infrastructure.
Pritchard Francis was appointed by the Rottnest Island Authority as lead consultant to review energy related infrastructure across the island and provide feasibility assessment to determine an achievable renewable energy penetration target for the island. Pritchard Francis in alliance with Direct Energy Australia conducted a review of energy related infrastructure on the Island, then completed energy profiling of existing and forecast development to evaluate feasible and maximum penetration of renewable energy. As part of the assessment, financial modelling was undertaken to provide likely return on investment for various energy configurations for both a decentralised and centralised infrastructure approach.
The Rottnest Island Renewable Energy Feasibility assessment derived that a renewable energy target of approximately 80% would be achievable for the island. in conjunction with this review, there were several other recommendations made that would significantly improve infrastructure and energy management across the island.