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FSM installs largest solar system in effort to reduce annual fuel costs

The Federated States of Micronesia is making impressive progress in the implementation of their grid connected solar power generation systems funded through the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund.

 

This month has seen the commissioning of the solar system in Chuuk and final testing of the installed solar system in Pohnpei underway. These are the biggest solar installations in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to date, with 800kWp solar systems equally distributed in each of the four participating States. FSM also has the biggest solar system installation across all countries participating in the PEC Fund.

 

A 200kWp solar system installed at the Chuuk High School is now completed, with the system up and running and producing electricity that is being fed into the grid.

 

“The installation of the solar system in Chuuk has gone smoothly. The Chuuk Public Utility Corporation has been delighted to actively participate in the implementation of the project and we’re pleased to assign six of our technicians to assist in the installation of the solar system,” says Mr. Mark Waite, Chief Executive Officer, Chuuk Public Utility Corporation.

 

“The Chuuk Public Utility Corporation looks forward to benefitting from the solar system which we anticipate will lead to a reduction in our annual fuel costs of up to USD104,000. We are keen to increase the share of grid tie solar power generation systems on Chuuk to further reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.”

 

The Chuuk Public Utility Corporation has taken ownership of the solar system and will budget for the ongoing operation and maintenance, including developing the capacity.

 

A second 200kWp solar system has been installed in Pohnpei at the Nett Elementary School. The system is undergoing final testing with all personnel involved in the installation process trained by the Japanese Contractor.

 

“We are pleased with the milestones achieved in the implementation of FSM’s PEC Fund project. Over the next few months, we will work with the respective Kosrae and Yap utilities to expedite and complete the installation of the remaining grid tie solar systems,” says Mr. Hubert Yamada, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Resources and Development and PEC Fund coordinator in FSM.

 

BACKGROUND—The Pacific Environment Community Fund

 

The PEC Fund is a commitment by the Government of Japan of ¥6.8 billion (approx US$66 million) to support Forum Island Country projects with a focus on the provision of solar power generation systems and sea water desalination plants, or a combination of both technologies.

 

The Forum Secretariat was tasked to manage the fund in close collaboration with the Government of Japan. Each Forum Island Country is provided with an indicative allocation of USD$4 million.

 

To date, the Governments of Samoa, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Niue, Republic of Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands and Vanuatu have successfully accessed the PEC Fund for national renewable energy and seawater desalination projects.