Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and electrical grid upgrade project in Niue

MFAT is in the ‘awaiting approval’ stage of a Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and electrical grid upgrade project in Niue. The current scope of the project includes the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of:

• 2.86 MWDC of PV modules
• 2.20 MWAC of PV string inverters
• Lithium-ion battery modules with an aggregate energy capacity of 7.0 MWh (around 5.6 MWh usable) delivered at a C2 rating at 25°C
• Grid-forming BESS inverters with a capacity of up to 2.2 MVA
• New microgrid controller capable of dispatching/curtailing a hybrid energy generation system
• 36 x 11kv to 415v distribution transformers with sizing between 15kVA and 50kVA
• New underground 11kv cable and feeder ties
• New electrical network protection system

Furthermore, it is expected the EPC contractor will include provision for a 2 year O&M contract.

Additional important information associated with the project is:

• MFAT expects to approach the market by early to mid 2024
• The project construction is expected to start in early 2025 and must be completed by the end of 2025
• The indicative total value is between $14 million and $17 million
• There will be one single contract but MFAT will consider joint ventures and/or the use of EPC subcontractors
• The solar PV modules must be ethically produced (free of slave or forced labour) and have a traceable supply chain to demonstrate this requirement

Indicative RFx Release Date: Q1 2024
Department/Business Unit: Crown Funding
Project Status: Awaiting approval
Indicative Total Value: $10M - $25M