Expression of Interest (EOI)

Project Overview

Solomon Power is calling for reputable and suitably qualified consulting firms to submit their Expression of Interest for the provision of consultancy services to undertake a comprehensive review of the existing protection settings and protection coordination of the Honiara electricity network.

The consultancy will involve a full review of the existing protection systems, protection settings and coordination arrangements across the Honiara network, including assessment of present and future network operating conditions and the integration of renewable energy generation and battery energy storage systems.

Scope of Assignment

Protection System Review and Coordination

• Review existing protection settings and protection coordination across the Honiara network.
• Conduct short-circuit and fault-level studies under relevant maximum and minimum system conditions.
• Review overcurrent, earth-fault, directional, distance, differential and other applicable protection schemes.
• Assess main and backup protection arrangements, discrimination, selectivity and grading margins.

Power System and Protection Studies

• Validate and update the Solomon Power DIgSILENT PowerFactory model.
• Conduct load-flow, fault analysis and contingency studies.
• Assess protection performance under present and future network configurations.
• Assess the impacts of Tina Hydropower, solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems and other inverter-based generation on protection performance.
• Assess reverse and bidirectional power flows and low fault-level operating conditions.
• Recommend adaptive protection and multiple protection setting groups where required.

Protection Settings and Implementation

• Prepare recommended relay settings and protection coordination curves.
• Prepare a controlled protection settings register.
• Update the DIgSILENT PowerFactory model with approved settings.
• Implement approved relay setting changes.
• Test and recommission protection systems on site.
• Prepare commissioning and final reports.

Training and Knowledge Transfer

• Provide hands-on training for relevant Solomon Power personnel in protection studies, system coordination, fault analysis and related protection applications.

Pre-Qualification Requirements

Consulting firms will be shortlisted based on their capability, experience and resources to undertake the assignment. Each EOI should include the following:

• A cover letter on company letterhead, including company registration details and relevant statutory information.
• A company profile outlining expertise and experience in power system protection, protection coordination, power system studies and utility network operations.
• Demonstrated experience undertaking similar protection-system studies, preferably for electricity utilities and networks of comparable complexity.
• Details of similar assignments completed or undertaken within the past five years.
• Details of similar assignments completed or undertaken within the past five (5) years, including:
  • Client name and location;
  • Description and scope of services;
  • Contract value;
  • Duration;
  • Completion status; and
  • Client/reference contact details.
• Demonstrated experience in DIgSILENT PowerFactory, including load-flow, short-circuit, contingency and protection coordination studies.
• Demonstrated experience with renewable energy and inverter-based resources, including solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems.
• Details of the proposed consultancy team, including the team leader and key technical personnel, supported by relevant resumes/CVs showing relevant qualifications and experience.
• Details of experience in protection relay setting, testing, commissioning and recommissioning.
• Evidence of the firm's capacity to mobilise suitably qualified personnel to Solomon Islands/Honiara and undertake the required site works.
• Details of any relevant professional registrations, certifications or memberships.
• Financial capacity and organisational capability to undertake the assignment over the anticipated three-to-four-month implementation period.

Expression of Interest Period

Terms of Reference (TOR)

The Terms of Reference for the assignment can be obtained from Solomon Power's Engineering Division.

Submission Details

All enquiries during the EOI period and completed Expressions of Interest should be sent to:

Shortlisting and Next Stage

Important Notice