Test and operation of a hybrid microgrid in the French island of Sein

Abstract

Eight kilometers off the French west coast, Sein Island is a small territory with its own electrical system, totally disconnected from the mainland. Until last year, diesel generators covered almost 100% of the electric load, resulting in a high kWh cost and high greenhouse gas emissions. In 2017, “Electricité De France”, with the help of other partners such as local communities and renewables projects developers, set a target of a new electrical system based on renewable energies and a storage system. 90kWp of photovoltaic modules were installed at the same time with a 180kWh/200kW Li-ion energy storage system. This new energy mix involves a complete change in the grid operation and its control. The present paper details two major stages of the microgrid development: first, a test sequence aimed to validate the dynamic behaviour of the energy storage system on the grid; second, a synthesis of the first few months of operation.