The President of the Asian Development Bank, Takehiko Nakao, visited Sun Pacific Energy – Private Sector Operations Department’s (P.S.O.D.) renewable energy project at Faleolo on Monday.

The project was Mr. Nakao’s first official visit on a three-day visit in Samoa. 

On his first official visit in Samoa, the President was accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance, Leasiosiofaasisina Oscar Malielegaoi.

At the project site at Faleolo, Fonoti Perelini Perelini welcomed the President and provided a briefing about the project and the progress thus far.

In September 2017, A.D.B. approved the disbursement of a loan of up to US$2 million to develop solar energy capabilities and coverage in Samoa. Under the financing package, Jarcon Pty Limited and Sun Pacific Energy Limited (SPEL) will expand a 2.2-megawatt (MW) solar farm in Samoa.

 “Renewable energy sources are vital for Samoa’s efforts to achieve sustainable and inclusive development,” said Jackie Surtani, Director for ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) at the time. “The project will increase access to affordable clean energy for the people of Samoa.”

The project will install up to 4 MW of solar power generation, owned and operated by SPEL, an independent power producer (IPP), who sells power to Samoa’s state-owned utility Electric Power Corporation. 

The project was 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 will help achieve the government’s goal of inclusive, sustainable, and environment-friendly growth.

The project was P.S.O.D’s first energy deal in the Pacific and the first A.D.B. investment supporting an I.P.P. in the region.