Sustainable Holiday Paradise: SMA System to Provide South Pacific Island With Solar Power

Sustainable Holiday Paradise: SMA System to Provide South Pacific Island With Solar Power

No energy from fossil fuels. This was actor Marlon Brando’s vision when he decided to build an exclusive resort on his island, Tetiaroa in the South Pacific in the 70’s. Now Richard Bailey, CEO of Pacific Beachcomber, has made it a reality: SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) and its subsidiary SMA Sunbelt Energy GmbH have realized French Polynesia’s first integrated solar power and battery-storage system with an output of more than 1 megawatt on the island. 60% of the electricity demand is covered with solar energy. In addition, up to 500,000 liters of fuel can be saved on the island every year.

“The Brando resort already had a PV system along the landing strip, the output of which has doubled to 1.4 megawatts with the update and expansion,” explained Wiebke Krüger, Project Manager at SMA Sunbelt Energy GmbH. “Thanks to the integration of the battery-storage system with a capacity of 2.6 MWh, 60% of the electricity supply now comes from solar energy. The island’s grid quality was also improved once again. The Sunny Central Storage battery inverter from SMA with grid-forming properties and the new black start function, combined with the SMA Hybrid Controller, ensures that after a power failure a stable network can be formed again within seconds and can be reliably hold.”

Resort is a model for sustainable projects
“We have benefited from SMA and SMA Sunbelt Energy GmbH’s wealth of experience with island electrification projects. I am delighted that we have been able to further enhance sustainability on Tetiaroa with the PV system and integrated battery-storage system,” said Richard Bailey, CEO of Pacific Beachcomber, the operator of the resort. “We are very happy with the update and expansion of the PV system as well as the installation of the battery-storage system. The protection and conservation of the unique natural environment are personally very important to me. For some of our guests, The Brando serves as inspiration and a model for the implementation of their own sustainable projects.”

Battery-storage system ensures uninterruptible supply
By day, The Brando resort’s electricity supply comes exclusively from solar energy and batteries; the generators start up automatically only if needed. The uninterruptible power supply for the guests is guaranteed in the case of cloud cover and even at night, if the generators fail. Electricity is then provided from the batteries. The resort has achieved a LEED Platinum certification (certification for sustainability) for its buildings. The setup of a Sea Water Air-Conditioning system reduces electricity consumption by up to 90% while ensuring comfort at the highest standard. Only two hotels in the world offer this system: the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa and The Brando, both built by Pacific Beachcomber.

The Brando is situated on Onetahi island in the Tetiaroa atoll in the South Pacific. The Hollywood star Marlon Brando (The Godfather) purchased the island in 1967 after filming Mutiny on the Bounty and resolved to preserve the unique South Sea paradise he found there. Thanks to the commitment of Richard Bailey, a sustainable vacation resort opened there in 2014 and has already entertained numerous prominent guests. In addition The Brando has built the ecological station of the Tetiaroa Society who offers research, nature conservation and educational programs in the spirit of Marlon Brando.

A film about the installation of the SMA system on The Brando can be found on our Blog Sunny.

Find out all about the SMA battery inverters here.


About SMA
a leading global specialist in photovoltaic system technology, the SMA Group is setting the standards today for the decentralized and renewable energy supply of tomorrow. SMA’s portfolio contains a wide range of efficient PV inverters, holistic system solutions for PV systems of all power classes, intelligent energy management systems and battery-storage solutions as well as complete solutions for PV diesel hybrid applications. Digital energy services as well as extensive services up to and including operation and maintenance services for PV power plants round off SMA’s range. SMA inverters with a total output of around 75 gigawatts have been installed in more than 190 countries worldwide. SMA’s multi-award-winning technology is protected by more than 1,300 patents and utility models. Since 2008, the Group’s parent company, SMA Solar Technology AG, has been listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92) and is listed in the SDAX index.


About Pacific Beachcomber Group
The Brando Resort is part of the Pacific Beachcomber Group led by Richard Bailey. Pacific Beachcomber boasts three decades of experience in extending quality hospitality to visitors to the islands of French Polynesia. Its resorts include 4 InterContinental Resorts and Spa on Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, as well 3 properties with the Maitai Group in Rangiroa, Huahine and Bora Bora, and in addition the MS Paul Gauguin, the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific. Pacific Beachcomber’s mission is to provide authentic and enriching travel experiences for its guests, while ensuring that the islands and communities that we call home have a future as rich as their past – strengthening their resilience to global change, enhancing their natural splendor and precious biodiversity, respecting Polynesian culture, hospitality and traditions, and benefiting and supporting its local neighbors. With Pacific Beachcomber support, the foundations Tetiaroa Society and te mana o te moana have been created, in order to develop extensive education, conservation and research programs in French Polynesia.


SMA Solar Technology AG
Sonnenallee 1
34266 Niestetal
Germany

Head of Corporate Communications:
Anja Jasper
Tel. +49 561 9522-2805
Presse@SMA.de

Press Contact:
Susanne Henkel
Manager Corporate Press
Tel. +49 561 9522-1124
Presse@SMA.de


Disclaimer:
This press release serves only as information and does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for, acquire, hold or sell any securities of SMA Solar Technology AG (the “Company”) or any present or future subsidiary of the Company (together with the Company, the “SMA Group”) nor should it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract to purchase or subscribe for any securities in the Company or any member of the SMA Group or commitment whatsoever. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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