Small scale renewable energy resource assessment for Newfoundland

This paper discussed the potential for small-scale hydro and wind power projects in Newfoundland. The province currently uses thermal generation for 20 per cent of its energy requirements, despite the fact that good wind and hydro resources are available. The province may soon construct a multi-billion dollar transmission line in order to import energy from Labrador to replace thermal generation on the island. The aim of the study was to determine if small-scale hydro and wind power could replace current thermal generation using a simplified island system simulation. The study showed that small-scale hydro potential represents approximately 1000 MW of energy that is technically feasible. The wind resource potential of the island is also very high, with a high wind penetration capability. Updates to transmission and control systems are required to enable small-scale hydro and wind development in the province. It was concluded that a combination of small-scale hydro and wind power can be used to replace the province's thermal energy requirements. 38 refs., 3 tabs., 3 figs