A $250 million tala project by Pacific Renewable Energies Limited (PREL) was officially launched, by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
This project will see the production of energy using solar and wind sources and was celebrated by the Prime Minister as a positive initiative for Samoa’s development. He also reiterated Samoa’s commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2017.
The Prime Minister said the launch last week signaled the start of a work programme for PREL that has been in the pipeline for sometime.
“It’s been well established that renewable energy for Samoa by 2017 was one of the commitments we made in our proposals at the Paris meeting, where the leaders of the world agreed to a legally binding programme to prevent temperature rises above two percent,” said Tuilaepa.
“If the world is to proceed with their commitment then so must we, and there is much to be done to limit rising temperatures and save this planet from destruction.
The Prime Minister urged Pacific Renewable Energies Limited to proceed immediately with their production as they begin their work to help fulfill Samoa’s sustainable and renewable energy goals.
Pacific Renewable Energies Limited PREL is a company jointly owned by three companies: the China based Integrated Electronic Systems Lab Co., Ltd. (iESLab) and Zhejiang Thermal Power Construction; and locally-based Pro Com Solar Wind Power Energy company, represented by Nuu Tapasu Leung Wai and Muaausa Joseph Walter.
Nuu said the process involved the signing of an agreement with the Electric Power Corporation and the agreement was met with great difficulties due to differences on both sides.
“But if it weren’t for his honourable Prime Minister’s vision and determination this agreement would not have been achieved,” he said.
He said the multi-million tala project will hopefully decrease the price of electricity for the country.
“We will work together with EPC. Our aim is to bring down the price of electricity,” said Nuu.
He also added that the vision for this project is to run in the region, and is a first of its kind for Samoa.
The ceremony was held at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel and was attended by representatives from China and Samoa, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the business community, families and friends.