Off-Grid Diesel Power Plant Efficiency Optimization and Integration of Renewable Energy Sources

Reducing operation cost and environment impact of diesel power plants for off-grid communities have become a subject of high priority during the past years. Two major development axes have to be considered: improving diesel generators efficiency and using renewable energy sources. A project is actually on its way in Parc de la Vérendrye, Québec, Canada, which will at the same time improve fuel efficiency of the diesel power plant and integrate renewable energy sources at a high penetration level. This paper presents the project on both technical and economical points of view.