South Canterbury-based NETcon Limited has signed a European Development Fund contract to design, supply and install a HV network, two power stations and a 200kW solar PV system on Kiritimati Island in the Republic of Kiribati.

The project is being delivered by Infratec, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NETcon Limited. Infratec has installed sustainable renewable energy systems around the world from Afghanistan to Tuvalu and New Zealand.

Infratec General Manager-Business Development Luke van Zeller says that Kirimati has three population centres, with each operating on their own aging generator.

“This project will centralise the power system for Kirimati, providing a more reliable, efficient and safe electricity supply for the island. The 200kW solar system will reduce the island’s demand on expensive diesel.”

Infratec’s approach reduces reliance and dependency on external short-term “expat” resources and empowers the islands to manage their power supply.

“Our work with the local island communities is a crucial aspect to the success of the project.”

Infratec will engage Independent Lines Services, Current Electrical and Service Engineers as part of the delivery of the project.

The project, from design to completion, will take about 16 months.

Kiritimati Island, in Kiribati’s Line Islands group, is the world’s largest coral atoll and the largest of the 33 islands in the Republic of Kiribati. The island is approximately 3,300 km east of Kiribati’s capital, Tarawa.

NETcon also signed a contract to install solar/battery hybrid electricity systems in the Cook Islands.