More renewables in Pacific-Via award-winning Infratec.

18th January 2019

Work has begun on the design of a renewable energy system for the Tuvalu Fisheries headquarters building in Funafuti, Tuvalu.

New Zealand company Infratec are designing and constructing the system that will include 70kW of PV and 220 kWh of battery storage. The building houses Fisheries staff imperative to the economy of Tuvalu, including the Research facility that studies and monitors the local marine environment.

Speaking from Tuvalu, Senior Engineer Mansoor Shah says the upbeat vibe in Tuvalu is inspiring for the Infratec team who will break ground on the project in April.

Tuvalu is the location for the Pacific Leader’s Forum in 2019 and is currently experiencing a building boom in preparation for this event. The experienced skill base in Funafuti as well as the local interest in increased renewable energy generation is a positive indicator for the outcome of the project. The system will be constructed with assistance of local staff and include training for its ongoing operation and maintenance. Once completed, the system will allow the Tuvalu Fisheries headquarters to be largely self-sufficient in terms of energy generation and consumption as well as to serve as a base of operations in the event of a natural disaster on the atoll.

Infratec successfully delivered a PV energy system for the Government and media buildings in Funafuti in 2014, funded by New Zealand. Infratec’s Micah Sherman said the Infratec team are excited to be back in Tuvalu.

Infratec have been contracted for the Fisheries building project by the Tuvalu Fisheries Department of the Government of Tuvalu, with funding support from the New Zealand Aid Programme.

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