The American Samoa Power Authority is to receive nearly $2 million from the Office of Insular Affairs Energizing Insular Communities Program.
A total of $6.8 million is being provided by the Trump Administration to support energy initiatives in the US territories.
ASPA’s funding of $1,947,400 will be used for two different initiatives.
One is to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system on the island of Aunu’u to become 100% powered by renewable energy, as envisioned in the American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee Energy Action Plan.
Two existing 100 kW diesel Caterpillar generators will be used for backup power.
Under the second initiative, funds will be used to purchase and install two 5-ton small-scale fuel distillation units that will convert waste oil into diesel fuel for use at ASPA’s diesel power plants .
Following recommended goals in the American Samoa Energy Action Plan, ASPA will use these distillation units to recycle and repurpose waste oil from vehicles, power plants, shipping vessels, and other uses on-island, at a 90% rate of conversion efficiency, to re-use in diesel-powered power plants.
Interior Assistant Secretary, Insular and International Affairs, Douglas W. Domenech says “Lowering the cost of energy to consumers and business is a keystone to President Trump’s energy initiatives”
This support through Interior will fund a range of energy initiatives in the territories that will reduce energy costs and increase energy efficiency by replacing older appliances, analyzing current usage, retrofitting older buildings, and exploring alternative energy options proposed in territorial Energy Action Plans.”
