American Samoa receives the largest grant award in energy related funding of all the territories, from the US Department of Interior
American Samoa gets $1,163,228, Guam $1,072,827, the Northern Mariana Islands $658,692, and the U.S. Virgin Islands $594,680 for projects to create energy inefficiencies, reduce high costs of fossil-fuel dependency, and explore other alternatives towards energy self-sufficiency.
US Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said, “We recognize that the cost of electricity in the U.S. territories is three times higher, on average, than the U.S. national average.
“The energy needs of the territories are unique and I am pleased to help bring them into focus as President Trump highlights energy strategies across America during Energy Week.”
Thirty-four applications, totaling more than $18 million dollars, were submitted for consideration to the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs.
A grant of $817,528 goes to the American Samoa Power Authority to purchase and install additional photovoltaic panels and battery storage on Ofu/Olosega.
With this grant funding, ASPA will add additional 150KW photovoltaic panels and 500 kWh of battery storage, to the Ofu green energy project which was commissioned in May.
ASPA is also receiving $312,000 to upgrade its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system for water distribution on Tutuila island, reducing energy consumption and waste.
Funds will be used to purchase, install and commission Remote Terminal Units at 38 of ASPA’s water wells and 2 Booster Stations.
ASPA estimates the overall project will reduce non-revenue water from 60% to 50%, which equals a total cost saving of $760,000 to the territory.
The third grant of $33,700 is for the American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee (ASREC) to fund a coordinator and public education projects focused on reducing fuel imports.
The ASREC has been successful in developing the territory’s vision and meeting its goals for reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, one example of which is the Manu’a Islands 100% Renewable Energy Initiative.
The funding will also increase public education and outreach in high schools with the aim of getting students interested in studying Science, technology engineering and math.
