WSHPDR_2013_Final_Report-updated_version

5.2.2 New Caledonia
Lara Esser, International Center on Small Hydro Power
Key facts
Population 260,166 1
Area 18,580 km 2
Climate Tropical; modified by southeast trade
winds; hot, humid 1
Topography A main island (mainland) and a number
of smaller islands coastal plains with
interior mountains
Rain
pattern
During the warm season (mid-
November to mid-April), frequent
tropical depressions and cyclones
produce large amounts of precipitation.
After a brief transition, the cool season
(mid-May to mid-September) begins,
with lower rainfall. This is followed by
another transition period (mid-
September to mid-November) with
generally clear weather and increasing
southeasterly trade winds 2
Electricity overview
New Caledonia’s economy is vulnerable in terms of
energy security due to its very high dependence (80
per cent) on fossil fuels imported for the production
of electricity (figure 1).
Biomass
PV
Wind
Hydro
Thermal
0.01%
0.17%
2.40%
12.40%
85.00%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Figure 1 Electricity generation in New Caledonia
Note: Data from 2010 and does not include Électricité
et eau de Calédonie capacity. 3
The largest electricity producer in New Caledonia is La
Société Néo-Calédonienne d’Energie (ENERCAL),
which has mainly thermal and hydropower facilities
that cover 98 per cent of the demand of the country. 3
Ninety-six per cent of the capacity is grid connected,
and 78 per cent is fossil-fuel based.
A rural electrification fund, established in 1983 is the
tool for institutional development and rural
electrification. It was replaced in December 2002 by a
fund with the same purpose, and revised by
Resolution No. 33/CP dated 7 October 2010. 4
Small hydropower sector overview and potential
The total installed small hydropower capacity in New
Caledonia is estimated at 9.4 MW (11 small
hydropower stations), with an annual generation of 40
GWh. 5
SHP installed
capacity
SHP potential
9.4 MW
27.1 MW
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Figure 2 Small hydropower capacities in New
Caledonia
Note: Small hydropower potential based on installed
and planned capacity
The estimated small hydropower potential is 300
GWh/year and 17.7 MW of small hydropower capacity
is planned at four plants with a total generation of
70.2 GWh/year. These plants will be developed in the
Mount Panie area, known locally as Ouaieme. 5
Renewable energy policy
The New Caledonian Division of Industry, Mines and
Energy (DIMENC) is responsible for the planning and
implementation of the country's energy policy. The
division promotes projects allowing energy savings or
development of new energy sources, such as
renewables. 6
A multi-year programme for investments,
Programmation Pluriannuelle des Investissements
(PPI) for the production of electricity (2008-2015) was
proposed to the Congress in 2009. It includes the
expansion of capacity to at least 15 MW of
hydropower, 18 MW of solar, 42 MW of wind and 210
MW of coal. In the end, the country’s Congress did not
approve the programme because it was assessed that
New Caledonia did not have all the tools necessary to
ensure the proper implementation of the PPI. 4
Pricing conditions and duration of contract relating to
the purchase of electricity generated by wind power
are regulated by Resolution No. 407 (November
2003). The contract duration is 15 years, divided in
two periods and the purchase price is defined (and
not updatable) for each period. Period 1 (the first
seven years) is 11 XPF/kWh; Period 2 (the following
eight years) ranges from 9 to 11 XPF/kWh. 4
New Caledonia has planned to promote renewable
energy and the establishment of small-scale
hydropower schemes are considered for the future.
The transmission company intends to purchase power
at a fixed price that is still to be determined. 5
Barriers to small hydropower development
The PPI, which would have included the support for 15
MW of hydropower, was not approved by the New
Caledonian Congress in 2009.
419