From today, 80 percent of the power needs of the island Ofu and Olosega, Manu’a will be powered by a microgrid, which combines a photovoltaic array, battery storage and diesel power.
It’s planned that by December the system will be supplying 100 percent f the power demands for these islands.
Governor Lolo Moliga led ASG officials who traveled from Tutuila this morning to witness the commissioning of the American Samoa Power Authority’s Ofu renewable energy project.
The guests included House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, Senate President Pro Tempore Magalei Logovii and Senator Misaalefua Hudson, Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega, Manu’a District Governor Laolagi Vaeao, Aliitama Sotoa, Chairman of the American Samoa Renewable Energy Commission, Pulu Ae Ae Jr, of Congresswoman Aumua Amata’a Field Office and DOI Field Representative Lydia Faleafine Nomura.
Also at the commissioning were StarKist General Manager Kwon and Archie Taotasi Soliai.
The PVC farm sits uphill farther up from the ASPA power plant which is at an elevation across from the Ofu Harbor.
The Executive Director of ASPA, Utu Abe Malae talked about the benefits of the project.
It not only provides clean, inexpensive energy generated from the sun it also eliminates environmental mishaps from dependence on diesel fuel which has to be transported from Tutuila, and could results in hefty fines.
Utu complimented the ASPA employees and the men of Ofu and Olosega who helped build the system. He said their new know how would be useful for similar projects in the future.
It’s planned that Tutuila will also have renewable energy projects like the one opened today and the one opened last year in Ta’u.
Utu thanked many people, who were responsible for making the Ofu microgrid project project including the governor, the American Samoa Economic Development Authority, the American Samoa Renewable Energy Commission, Department of Interior and Port Administration.
He especially thanked ASPA customers who are paying the authority’s share of the $2.5 million cost of the project, that is $1,2 million and DOI is paying 1,3 million.
The contractor, Pacific Solar Innovations was represent by Tuiafono Vaauli and PSI President John Miller.
Miller said until today a diesel generator used to run 24 hours a day 7 days a week to provide power to residents. businesses and schools of these island. But today….
Play Audio
Miller said every major project needs a true visionary leader and two people he singled out in that category are Governor Lolo Moliga and Utu Abe Malae.
The PSI President presented to the Governor Lolo and Utu plaques commemorating the launch and PSI solar charging laptop bags, a solar battery pack and shirts,
Governor Lolo Moliga in his remarks said the project being commissioned today represents a collaboration between several agencies and also the executive and legislative branches of government.
He thanked the Fono for supporting the ASEDA funding which helped finance this and other infrastructure projects.
Lolo said this cooperation is what is needed to overcome the challenges that the territory faces.
He recalled in 2013 when he met with Utu and asked for his help in bringing down the costs of electricity which was hovering around 46 cents a unit.
He said perhaps Utu at the time wasnt interested in returning to work for ASPA but he’s happy that Utu accepted his request.
Lolo was proud that such innovative and modern projects like the Ofu microgrid were built by the “children of American Samoa.”
He said the same systems will be extended to Tutuila and he hoped that in 3-4 years all of the main island would be powered by solar.
Lolo told chiefs and orators of Ofu and Olosega that their new energy source comes at a cost, it’s not free.
The wife of the CCAS pastor in Ofu, Mrs Seanoa and Mrs Lena Misaalefua Hudson handled the ribbon cutting.
Following the commissioning of the alternative energy project the leaders headed to Ofu airport for the dedication of ASG’s new two story EOB.
