European Union and Tuvalu Inaugurate Solar Power System
Funafuti, Tuvalu
24 April 2014
For Immediate Release
European Union and Tuvalu Inaugurate Solar Power System
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)
ENDS