American Samoa Power Authority is moving forward with renewable energy projects according to Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga in his State of the Territory address to the Fono last week.

He pointed out that in collaboration with the American Samoa Renewal Energy Committee (ASREC), ASPA is exploring the feasibility of Geothermal Energy as an alternative base load source deemed to significantly reduce the cost of electricity. Lolo said the Geothermal study is currently being conducted.

“The Scientist/Engineering teams probed Tutuila Island and installed Magnetotellurics (MT) equipment in over 100 locations over a three week period in July. The study took place in the central part of the island in the Futiga, Iliili, and Aoloau area,” Lolo said.

(MT is an electromagnetic geophysical method of imaging the earth’s subsurface by measuring variations of electrical and magnetic fields for geothermal, mining, oil and gas exploration).

“Final analysis for the MT study was submitted and the results have been positive,” the governor reported, adding that “the next step is for drilling to obtain gradient temperature, to further analyze geothermal resource.”

Further, he said, ASPA is boldly investigating the feasibility of using liquefied natural gas, or LNG, as the alternative base load in place of fossil fuel.

The governor also pointed out that the current constraint for American Samoa is the lack of portability of natural gas, but the technology to liquefy natural gas is significantly developed, which would facilitate safe transportation to American Samoa.

ASPA is also investigating other renewable energy resources such as wind power,  and they have completed a Wind Map Study Project, Lolo said. “The study and mapping is now complete and available for use by potential developers of wind energy.”

The governor said that “to advance the implementation of harvesting wind energy power, [a] contract has been award to a company out of California, for the purchase of two each, 100kW Wind Turbines. The project includes installation and training. The two 100kW units are to be shipped by February 2015. Installation and site work is scheduled to start in April 2015.”

Lolo further acknowledged ASPA exploring solutions for the lack of land available to accommodate new landfills, and with the Futiga Landfill approaching maximum carrying capacity, he said ASPA has been successful in attracting a South Carolina Company to establish and operate a Waste Conversion Project.

The South Carolina company that developed waste conversion technologies has secured 100% funding for this waste conversion project with ASPA. Company officials inspected the site and also met with ASPA management to clarify local and federal permitting requirements and land lease. The company is currently undergoing permit requirements with EPA.

The governor also pointed to ASPA’s Grid Stability Project, which assessed and ascertained the ability and capacity of ASPA’s power grid to carry renewable energy.

A draft report is currently being reviewed by ASPA before finalization.

“While the American Samoa Power Authority is vigilant in accommodating the mandate to bring the cost of electricity down, ASPA is also exploring options to abate the wasteful use of electricity and promote energy conservation,” the governor said.