A study of utilization of photovoltaics for rural electrification in the republic of Kiribati

In 1989, the Government of Kiribati had requested the Japanese Government for technical assistance on the Feasibility Study of rural electrification by photovoltaics. According to this request, JICA sent the two preliminary study teams in 1989 and 1991. Then in 1992 JICA decided to implement this study as follows. Phase-1-preliminary evaluation of feasibility of photovoltaic electrification: (1) clear the problems in rural electrification and confirm the desire for electrification of village households; and (2) compare the PV system and diesel generation system, suggest the plan of rural electrification and organizational arrangement. Phase-2-evaluation by pilot plant: install and operate the pilot plant to verify the sustainability of rural electrification by PV system. Phase-3-suggestion of the rural electrification plan: suggest the full-scale rural electrification plan based on the experience of the pilot plan. From the results of the study the authors conclude that the PV system is effective and available as a means of rural electrification of the outer islands of Kiribati