by Marie Kauna – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Early last month, Samoa signed a multi-million agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to boost its renewable energy projects.
An island nation aimed at relying 100 percent on renewable energy for all its electricity by 2025, Samoa sees another financial support from the Asian Development Bank or ADB. A total of US$2 million has been approved by ADB, to support Samoa’s solar project.
The funding will see Jarcon Pty Limited and Sun Pacific Energy Limited (SPEL) expand a 2megawatts solar farm to a 4 megawatts solar farm.
Once completed and fully operational, ADB reports the project is expected to;
“Help the country lower its dependence on fossil fuels by generating an estimated 5.5 gigawatt-hours of solar power annually for 20 years, with estimated carbon emission reduction of 1,644 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and save an estimated 1.7 million liters of diesel per year”.
This move is the first of ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) energy deal in the Pacific, and ABD’s first investment to support an Independent Power Producing (IPP) in the region.
The project will help the Samoan Government while achieve its goals of inclusive, sustainable and environmental-friendly growth; provide affordable clean energy that can be easily accessed by the people.
Preparations for the construction are underway and is estimated to be completed within six months for operations.
Image Source: Asian Development Bank Website
