The Technology, Policy, and Partnership Challenges in Developing and Maintaining a Reliable and Resilient Solar PV Mini-grid in Pohnpei, Micronesia

Abstract

In increasing the prevalence of solar generation assets, not only can the FSM lower energy costs for the island population and increase energy security, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) can achieve progress toward its national and state climate action, development, and energy goals. In addition, this research paper aims to analyze and provide solutions to the technical, policy, and partnership challenges of integrating high levels of variable renewable energy systems with a particular interest in solar PV generations. This capstone thesis was informed by a deep dive into the existing literature on renewable energy development in the Pacific Island Countries and sought to describe and dissect reoccurring challenges and barriers for not only developing and financing robust and resilient renewable or hybrid mini-grids but their sustainable financing and efficient operations and maintenance. The subsequent literature review segment covers several relevant topics driving the national need and interest to integrate variable renewable energy (VRE), into the country’s power grid. The introduction of this paper provides an overview of the Federated States of Micronesia and seeks to describe the regional drivers for renewable energy and its nexus with climate change, energy security, development, and financing from multilateral and bilateral development partners. Such challenges and barriers are explained in the literature review. The analysis provides an overview of six main challenges to consider when it comes to renewable energy development in the country and assesses the major government offices or departments involved in renewable energy development for the FSM National Government (national government) and Pohnpei state, as well as the role of Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (state public utility). The thesis end with several recommendations for the technological, regulatory/policy, financing, and partnership challenges for continued solar PV integration in Pohnpei state.