Initial environmental evaluation report for the registration of power generation facility at 9 storey building at Iskandharu Koshi, Male’

Abstract

This Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) addresses environmental aspects of operation of a 650KVA generation facility to meet the electricity needs of Iskandharu building developed by Maldives Police Services as their technical headquarters and labs. This Initial Environment Examination (IEE) report is carried out in order to meet the requirements of MEA regulations to register the power generating facility. This is in accordance with the requirement of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Maldives Energy Authority (MEA) guidelines that requires submitting an IEE in applying for registration of an electricity generating facility. Iskandharu Koshi currently houses a 9 storey office building and a 4 storey accommodation building. The 9 storey office building is meant to be used for the forensic and technical works of police work. And it is expected that all forensic and technical labs would be transferred to this building from Shaheed Hussain Adam building. The expected increase in demand and the rising electricity cost from STELCO would increase the operational cost of the facility. In order to reduce the cost and safety measure during power outages, they have planned to use their own power generation to meet their electricity needs in office hours. Initially the power generating facility was installed as a backup power system. However, due to increase in electricity tariff and increase demand for electricity for the building has made the proponent to go for separate power generation for operating the building during peak hours (daytime). The Building is equipped with all the necessary equipments required to operate a power house. It comprises of a generator with extra space for installation of another generator set, distribution network and a panel room. The peak demand for the facility at the moment is estimated to be 90 kW. Once the laboratories and other facilities are established the peak demand of power for the building is expected to rise to be 260 kW. The powerhouse is equipped with 1x 520 kW generators. At present fuel tank in cooperated with the diesel engine set is used; however additional fuel tanks will be installed in future. Presently fuel is pumped using a pipe line attached to the fuel handling vehicle. The main environmental concern in running this facility is emission of green house gases and noise pollution created by this facility. Several actions such as raising the height of the smoke stack, use of smoke filters, increasing the height of the walls and using sound proof materials are proposed to reduce the impact on the environment.