Taiwan Pays Out $8 Million for Solar Projects

Taiwan Pays Out $8 Million for Solar Projects

The Republic of China (Taiwan) has formally paid out cSB$8 million for the “Community Solar Electrification Project to the Government of Solomon Islands on July 13.

Caretaker Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua received the funds in the presence of the caretaker Minister for Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification David Day Pacha.

Ambassador Chan noted that Solomon Islands is heavily dependent on fossil fuels for its energy and transportation. Fuel has accounted for one third of the foreign exchange.

Ambassador Chan noted that Solomon Islands is abundant with enough sunlight all year around that has great potential to exploit solar energy.

In 2009, ROC (Taiwan) has also funded a similar 10 million SDB$ solar lighting project for rural schools, which had been proven very successful and popular.

Ambassador Chan deeply believed that this new solar project will not only address the problem of rural area electrification, but also enhance the rural area economic activity, and the rural area people will greatly benefit from that project.

The project demonstrates ROC (Taiwan’s) commitment and dedication to the great cause of Solomon Islands in its efforts to promote and provide reliable, affordable, clean and sustainable energy services to rural areas.

Prime Minister Sikua expressed the SIG’s appreciation and gratitude for the Government of ROC (Taiwan) continuing support and assistance toward Solomon Islands’ development endeavors. The SIG will remain committed to working closely with the ROC (Taiwan) to strive to advance common interests for both countries.

The project is now implemented after the signing of an MOU between Government and Company Motech Industry Inc earlier this Month.

The project will be completed before the end of November, 2010.

ENDS

© Scoop Media