NREL identifies viable renewable energy sources for the CNMI

An assessment report submitted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory concluded that opportunity exists for the implementation of renewable energy technologies in the CNMI.

NREL’s “Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Initial Technical Assessment Report” identified wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass production as having potential for development in the Commonwealth, which is currently 100 percent dependent on imported fossil fuel for its energy supply needs.

The study said the available wind resource combined with reasonable infrastructure, general small size, and high-energy costs make wind technology a very viable option.

However, the limited grid infrastructure and limited available land on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, will make the installation of large wind technologies more complicated and costly, the report stated.

Based on current electricity costs in the CNMI, NREL said solar hot water systems provide an opportunity for energy and cost savings in both commercial and residential applications.

A solar photovoltaic installation, meanwhile, could be ideal for remote areas like Bird Island, Banzai Cliff, and the Grotto, “likely at a greatly reduced cost compared to conventional options,” said the report.

Potential geothermal sites were identified by NREL in Susupe, Donni, Achugao, Tanapag, and Gualo Rai with the latter the most promising with two water wells exhibiting elevated temperatures. “Hydrothermal systems may be present in the volcanic basement rock underlying the carbonate aquifer blanketing Saipan.”

As for biomass, the study recommended that paper, cardboard, wood wastes, and tires that the Marpi landfill receives should be used as feedstock for a combustion or gasification system.

It also suggested that other waste products, such as green waste, wastewater treatment plant sludge, agricultural residues, and animal wastes, could also be used as feedstocks to produce thermal or electric energy.

The report further recommended that the CNMI Energy Task Force work with the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., and the departments of Land and Natural Resources and Public Lands to identify available land area.
It, however, said that renewable energy development should consider zoning, avian, and other environmental considerations, and may require input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

NREL also called for strategic planning for the following:

– Determine if a geothermal resource exists on Saipan, pursue efforts to drill one or more geothermal temperature gradient holes 2,000 to 3,000 feet deep to verify the presence of heat at economically viable depths.

– Conduct wind anemometry studies at locations identified in the report and analyze results to determine wind energy potential.

– Conduct a feasibility study for solar photovoltaic installations.

– Develop solar water heating implementation programs for residential, commercial, and appropriate government buildings.

– Consideration should be given to all alternative fuel potential in the form of waste-to-energy, landfill gas, biofuels, and biomass crops.