IRENA’s grid integration work supports policymakers and public utilities from Small Island Developing States address and overcome technical constraints associated with the operation of electricity grids with high shares of variable renewables, such as solar and wind energy.

The initiative focuses on:

• Analysis of grid stability and grid operation for the integration of higher shares of renewable energy, particularly upon request from IRENA member states;
• Development of grid integration assessment methodologies as the basis for IRENA country support; and provision of access to software tools, models and guides for grid integration studies with a focus on small isolated systems;
• Technical workshops and training on grid operation and expansion planning for small isolated systems hosting high shares of renewable energy resources.

Between 2013 and 2016 IRENA completed grid integration studies for:

• Palau
• Samoa
• Antigua and Barbuda
• the Cook Islands.

Currently Vanuatu, Fiji and the Dominican Republic are working together with IRENA on additional grid integration studies specifically designed for the needs of each country.

Leveraging partnerships with regional institutions and local governments, IRENA has organised and supported technical events to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between recognised international experts and power system operators and planners from island Member countries. Technical workshops supported by IRENA have taken place in Palau, Tonga, Samoa, Australia, St. Marten and Cuba.

The work with Small Island Developing States has provided the basis to expand support to Member countries with larger power systems in interconnected areas.

For further information on IRENA’s grid integration support to Small Island Developing States please visit the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative.