Midgard was engaged by Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro ("NLH") to develop an Integrated Resource Plan ("IRP") for five remote communities in Southern Labrador, characterized by extreme climate conditions. The objective of the study was to assess various renewable and energy storage technologies, along with different interconnection and transmission options. Within this scope, Midgard conducted a comprehensive evaluation to provide NLH with recommendations that address the energy requirements of the remote communities. The recommendations aim to be both economically viable and consider renewable initiatives and funding opportunities in the evaluation process. The IRP is designed to align with the unique challenges posed by extreme climate conditions in Southern Labrador.The scope of work included:
- Preparing upfront capital cost estimates and cumulative net present value over 20 years study period
- Assessing the environmental impact of solar and wind power with energy storage, bio-fuel generation, transmission interconnection, and others supply alternatives.
- Assessing the potential role of renewable energy resources and demand-side management strategies in terms of reduced fuel consumption and provision of firm capacity.
- Exploring Indigenous participation models in electric utility infrastructure and funding opportunities, and its impact on the Integrated Resource Plan.
- Assessing the reliability of all proposed alternatives.
- Reviewing NLH's assumptions on the timing and costs of replacing or removing the existing diesel generating stations.
- Performing a high-level jurisdictional review of electrical supply approaches for isolated communities across Canada.
- Assessing the impact of advances in Technology Innovation and Climate Change Policies on proposed alternatives.
- Developing a transition plan for the seamless conversion from firm diesel generation to fully renewable supply solutions.
- Completing a cost benefit analysis to determine the least cost option of all technically viable alternatives considered.
- Performing sensitivity analysis by altering various factors that could influence the results of the cost benefit analysis. These factors include, Load Growth, Timing of Project Phases, Diesel Fuel Costs, Carbon Tax.
