EU and Kiribati Sign 5 Million Euro Energy Project

Fiji

Date: 20/09/2016

For immediate release

EU and the Republic of Kiribati Sign 5 Million Euro Energy Project

The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Kiribati today signed a 5 Million Euro energy project. The project is framed in the European Union –New Zealand energy partnership that was established at the Pacific Energy Summit in 2013, which has delivered renewable energy projects in Tuvalu, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Kiribati. At the Pacific Energy Conference held in Auckland, New Zealand in June, 2016, this partnership expanded to include Niue, Tonga, and the Northern Pacific.

The project will support the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a fully functional new diesel power station, an overhead 11 kV high voltage (HV) network and a 200kWp grid-connected PV system for Kiritimati Island, Kiribati. It will be implemented over two years.

The Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development who is also the European Development Fund (EDF) National Authorising Officer for Kiribati, Hon. Dr. Teuea Toatu, in his brief remarks said: “This project demonstrates yet another milestone in the cordial and warm relationship in the history of partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Kiribati that goes back to 1975 when this partnership began. Looking back into our partnership and relationship, I have to acknowledge and say thank you to the EU and her people that Kiribati is becoming and continues to become more prominent by the EU ever than before.”

The EU Ambassador to the Pacific, H.E Andrew Jacobs said the European Union has been and will remain a reliable partner of Kiribati.

''We are committed to support sustainable energy projects in Pacific counties and have stablished a strong partnership with New Zealand for this purpose. We are proud that the project will provide people and communities with basic electricity services for households, secondary schools, small businesses and to solar project operations in the Line Islands, including the development of solar photovoltaic technology,'' said Ambassador Jacobs.

''We value the strong foundations of our partnership and remain committed to contributing to the wellbeing of Kiribati people.'' said Ambassador Jacobs.

(ENDS)

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