A number of solar power plants are under negotiation, with EPC Minister Manu’alesagalala Enokati Posala, (insert) facing pressure to deliver a new 1.4 megawatt plant by early next year

 

By Nanai T. Laveitiga Tuiletufuga

The Electric Power Corporation Minister, Manu’alesagalala Enokati Posala has a pressing deadline to meet.

He must deliver a 1.4 megawatt solar plant for Samoa before the Small Island Development State meeting in Apia August next year.

Fortunately, the EPC Minister has the New Zealand Government in his corner.

New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully during his recent visit to Samoa committed funding for the project.

Said Manu’alesagalala;

“Costing is not a problem for the New Zealand Government as long as the new solar plant is commissioned before the meeting next year. They will pay for everything.�?

With funding secured, the Minister said that he has full confidence that EPC will deliver.

A location for the plant is yet to be identified.

SAMOA SOLAR PROJECT

In other solar-related developments, Cabinet recently approved a purchase of 49 percent of shares from the Samoa Solar company.

The company plans to set up a solar farm at Faleolo, then selling energy to the national grid.

Though launched last year, the project has been in limbo as the company struggled to secure financing.

Government has stepped in to take up a bulk of share while Samoa Solar retains majority shareholding

Explained the EPC Minister;

“Government’s involvement is to move the project forward.

“It will also be the government’s insurance policy to guarantee that energy rates are affordable once the solar plant is operational.�?

Manu’alesagalala said that part of the Cabinet approval includes guaranteeing a soft-term loan from the International Finance Corporation to start up the project.

JAPAN FUNDED SOLAR

Meantime, a separate project that is also in the works involves a 40-megawatt solar plant funded by the Government of Japan.

The EPC Minister said that a location for this project is eyed at either Salelologa o Vaitele.

“EPC is now in the process of finalizing logistics and other necessities before moving to the design-and-build phase,�? he said.

“With oil prices soaring coupled with the threats of climate change, government is investing in cheaper sustainable alternatives.�?

A Renewable Energy Unit was set up in 2007 to manage and develop projects associated with renewable energy  sources such as wind, solar, hydro and bio-fuel.

Government, the minister said, is assessing a handful of sustainable energy project proposals.

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