In September leaders from Pacific Island nations came together in Honolulu as part of the 2016 International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress to share their long-term plans and ideas for renewable energy in the Pacific. Video: khon2
A major solar energy project in Manu’a, American Samoa, will bring the island nation a step closer to having one hundred percent renewable energy.
American Samoa Power Authority’s renewable energy project manager, Mike Langier, discussed the Manu’a projects at the American Samoa Economic Development Authority Board.
He said at the moment gallons of diesel is shipped to American Samoa for power.
“On average we are shipping around 55 to 60 barrels of diesel over to those islands a week.
‘It is not the cleanest method’, he said.
“When we reduce our diesel consumption to almost zero, at least for the generators, it will be pretty amazing.”
The biggest project is based in Ta’u and would supply 1.4 megawatts of power.
The system consists of solar photovaltaic panels which converts sunlight directly into electricity. It will also include six-hours of battery storage, three back up generators and provide for 100 percent of Ta’u’s power supply.
On Ofu, a smaller size solar project is being built. It will provide 80 percent of power for Ofu and Olosega.
