The situation
Your starting point
Take over an island utility in 2003 with oil, wind and solar generation. The oil plant provides much of your capacity, leaving the utility exposed when fuel prices rise.
You can build more local clean power, but the island has to balance its own supply. Good annual production is not enough if the fleet cannot cover a quiet evening or a stretch of weak wind.
The choices
What will you do?
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Reduce dependence on imported fuel
Compare the upfront cost of new generation with years of oil purchases. Watch how fuel prices change the value of your investments.
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Plan for gaps between renewables
Give storage and backup a job in your fleet. Their value becomes clearer in the hours when sun and wind do not meet demand.
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Keep an island's margin for error
Build enough flexibility to handle changing demand without relying on imports. Every shortage has to be solved on your side of the ocean.
Put your plan to the test
How much of the island's imported oil can you replace without leaving a gap in supply?
Build, watch what happens, and try a different approach. The grid is yours to run.
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Rise of Renewables
Clean power is getting cheaper. Demand is growing too. Waiting for a better deal has a cost of its own.
Explore scenario -
The River Runs Dry
A full reservoir makes the opening years look comfortable. An El Niño drought will test a grid built around the Zambezi.
Explore scenario -
Wildfire Emergency
Most of your spare power comes from somewhere else. In early 2025, wildfire will cut the capacity of your northern connection by 90%.
Explore scenario