The closing date for the Ofu Solar Hybrid Project has been extended to 2 p.m. October 29 and as of yesterday, there were a dozen potential bidders — five local and seven from off island.

This is according to ASPA Executive Director Utu Abe Malae who said they couldn’t reveal the cost until after the contract is awarded, “as it is a competitive RFP (Request for Proposal) process”.

He did confirm that funding is provided by the Interior Department, through their “Empowering Insular Communities (EIC)” grant and added that the extension is “to allow consultants to prepare thoroughly. This is a first for Manu’a and we want to get it right.”

Due to limited funding, Utu said the project would be carried out in phases. For the first phase, he explained, “We will try for 75% reduction in energy generated from diesel generation. The next phase will increase the energy storage capacity to 100% reduction of energy generated from diesel generators.”

 According to Utu and information from the ASREC website, the primary objective of the Ofu Solar Hybrid Project is to establish a sustainable and functional renewable energy system (with energy storage through batteries or other means) in Ofu, Manu’a where the present power plant is located for the Luanu’u (Ofu, Sili, Olosega).

“This renewable energy system shall be capable of providing reliable power to the Luanu’u on a 24/7 basis and meet their domestic and light industrial needs in order to facilitate economic growth.