Schneider Electric to Supply Integrated Energy Management Solution for Faroe Islands

Schneider Electric recently signed a contract to supply SEV, the main energy supplier in the Faroe Islands, an integrated solution for the management of the island’s electrical network for generation, transmission and distribution operations. SEV must deliver continuous, stable and inexpensive electricity to the island’s inhabitants, while transitioning to a higher renewables model, reducing its diesel-dependency and maintaining grid security and stability.

Starting in November 2014, Schneider Electric will deploy its suite of advanced software applications for microgrids including SCADA, advanced distribution management system (ADMS), power plant controller and weather forecasting systems built on DONG’s existing PowerHub system. The PowerHub creates an energy management program for the main island’s local generation and demand response facilities. In December 2013, Schneider Electric and Dong signed an agreement to enable network operators of remote island grids to increase their share of renewables and maintain grid stability.

Mr. Hákun Djurhuus, Managing Director of SEV stated, “This first-of-its-kind project will allow SEV to optimize generation and network assets, increase share of local renewable generation to 80% before 2020 by transforming the Faroes’ powerful natural energy resources into clean and affordable energy that will serve the local community.”

Frederic Abbal, Executive Vice-President Energy Business at Schneider Electric added, “This suite of integrated applications will build an efficient and sustainable microgrid for SEV, improving the planning of local renewable generation facilities based on real-time weather forecasts and asset management to match production plans with actual needs.”

In November 2012 the Faroe Islands became the first place in the world where a virtual power plant was used to recreate balance in an island power system by decoupling large industrial units in less than a second from the main power system, thereby avoiding blackouts.

The Faroe Islands are an archipelago within the Kingdom of Denmark between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The total area is 1,400 km2 with a population of 50,000. The islands have a current installed renewable generation capacity of 60 MW from hydro and wind resources, totaling almost 60% of the island’s power production.

Source: Schneider Electric