Less than a month after signing the contract, the European Union and the Government of Tuvalu today inaugurated a fully functioning solar energy module in Funafuti, as a demonstration of technologies which will roll-out to three outer islands later this year.
By the end of 2014, the three small islands of Nukufetau, Nukulaelae and Nui will be able to enjoy 24 hours-a-day of clean electricity produced by solar systems, as opposed to the current 100 percent diesel supply of electricity, which only runs for 18 hours a day.
“This clean and sustainable source of energy will allow the Government of Tuvalu to save up to 120,000 litres of diesel per year or about AU$200,000 in today’s prices”, said European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, who inaugurated the demonstration system in Funafuti today.
“This system represents one of the first deliverables on the ground of the EU/NZ Energy Access Partnership, less than a year after it was formed. In addition to the actual technology, this system demonstrates the strong commitment of the European Union to contribute to the partnership and to the people of Tuvalu.
“I would like to commend the Government of Tuvalu, the Tuvalu Electricity Corporation, the contractor CBS Power Solutions, and the EU Delegation for the Pacific for ensuring a quick and effective implementation, and hope that these efforts will be sustained in the future”. (ENDS)
For further information contact:
Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific
Suva, Fiji
Tel: 3313-633
Email: Delegation-fiji-media@eeas.europa.eu
MEDIA RELEASE