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Renewable Energy News

WEDNESDAY 24 FEBRUARY, 2010 |

Falkland Islands To Be Powered By 40% Renewable Energy

by Energy Matters

Falklands Islands Wind Power
Many of today's generation may not be familiar with the Falkland Islands, an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean.

It's been over 25 years since the nation hit the headlines around the world while Argentina and the United Kingdom engaged in a bloody conflict for sovereignty over the region.

The Falkland Islands are making headlines again, but on a more positive note. Already a wind energy generator, annual wind power production in the Falkland Islands is set to rise to 40 per cent with the installation of three new wind turbines.

Prior to just a few years ago, energy was a major challenge for the region with farms relying solely on diesel generators for their power. Aside from issues relating to greenhouse gas emissions, given the Falkland Islands' location, this was expensive and only provided electricity for a few hours a day.

The installation of the first three wind turbines in 2007 has resulted in the displacement of 26% of annual fuel consumption and the aim with the three new turbines is to reach 40% fuel displacement.

At a recent European Union seminar, the Falklands were named in the leading group of Overseas Territories in terms of the percentage of electricity produced from renewable resources.

The Islands have also tried other forms of renewable energy including hydro-electric and solar power. While working well for smaller applications, these technologies don't match the performance or cost effectiveness of wind power due to the quality of wind resources in the region. Going forward, the Falklands will be examining the potential of modern energy storage and heat pump technologies to optimise wind power and further reduce the consumption of fossils fuels.