New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tupa’i Murray McCully, yesterday launched the largest solar array in the Pacific in an effort to reduce Samoa’s dependence on expensive imported fuel.
Located at the Faleata Racecourse, Tupa’i was joined by Prime Minister and President of the S.I.D.S conference, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and a number of high-level delegates who are in Samoa for the conference.
"Clean, efficient, affordable and reliable energy services are vital to sustainable economic development," Tupa’i said.
"The 2.2-megawatt photovoltaic array at the Apia Sports Complex will provide the highest electrical output from a single installation in the South Pacific.
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"Along with two other solar projects in Samoa, it is expected to meet a total of 4.5 percent of the total energy demand in Samoa and supply approximately 4,400 households.
“In total, New Zealand has contributed over 7.5 million NZ dollars towards these three projects.”
Tupa’i described the project as a “significant step forward for renewable energy in this country.”
“The theme of the Small Island Developing States conference is about genuine and durable partnership. That is what we are seeing here in action is partnership delivered not just in Samoa but seen in other islands.”
Tupa’i commended the partnership with European Union and the government of Samoa in rolling out the project.
Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, acknowledged New Zealand and the European Union.
“We have set challenging goals of renewable energy use as articulated in Samoa’s energy sector plan.” he said. “By 2016, we anticipate a reduction in use of fossil fuel by 10 percent, challenged by 10 percent increase in supply of renewable energy.
“I commend those involved and worked hard to complete this solar array project.”
The Samoa-NZ Renewable Energy Programme includes projects that are supporting 2.58 MWp of grid connected Solar PV farms at a cost of $7.5million.
They are Gymnasium 3 rooftop of maximum output 240kWp that is completed from a total of 960 x 260 watt panels.
The Faleata racecourse project has a maximum output of 2.2MWp with civil construction completed and electrical testing and commissioning in September.
There is also a project in Salelologa Savaii that is to be completed in October.
The three PV project will provide enough power for 4400 households and contribute an additional 4.5percent renewable capacity.
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