The Falkland Islands' location necessarily means that imported fossil fuels are expensive to use, so the Falkland Islands Government is taking advantage of the one source of energy that is cheap, green and in plentiful supply – wind power.
Since 1996, the Government has been investing in a forward-thinking and environmentally friendly policy to increase its use of renewable energy supplies, such as windpower, and working with the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) and consumers to develop the renewable energy grant scheme. This scheme continues to help the Islands move towards sustainability, as well as protecting the unique environment of the Falklands.
Rural Wind Power
Farms in the Islands used to rely solely on diesel generators for their power but this was expensive and only provided electricity for a few hours a day. Farmers realised the potential for harnessing wind power and today, with funding assistance through FIDC, 85% of farms have 24-hour power from renewable sources.
Urban Wind Power
In 2006, the Falkland Islands Government unveiled proposals for Sand Bay Wind Farm, located near the capital, Stanley, and the first phase of the project has since proved highly successful. The installation of three wind turbines resulted in the displacement of 20% of the Stanley Power Station's annual fuel consumption.
Phase Two of the Wind Farm has recently commenced and consists of three further turbines and three flywheels (flywheels are used to store the energy generated by the turbines). The supply and installation of this additional equipment is expected to double the present output. The most significant impact of Phase Two will be the reduction in the amount of diesel used on the Islands, thereby reducing costs and minimising the environmental impact.
Falklands Energy Facts
- At a recent European Union seminar, the Falklands were named in the leading group of Overseas Territories in terms of the percentage of electricity produced from renewable resources.
- Phase Two of the Sand Bay Wind Farm will consist of three further E33 Enercon turbines and three flywheels.
- FIG envisages up to 40% of power generation from wind turbines by mid 2010.
- The Islands have experimented with other forms of renewable energy including hydro-electric and solar power. These forms work well for smaller applications but cannot match the performance or cost effectiveness of wind power. Therefore, the Falklands will be examining the potential of modern energy storage and heat pump technologies to optimise wind power and further reduce the consumption of fossils fuels.
