E.U. Commissioner visits Fuluasou

By Adel Fruean 27 February 2019, 12:00AM

The European Union (EU) Commissioner, Neven Mimica, is impressed with the progress of the construction of the Fuluasou Hydro Power Plant.

He made the point when he and his delegation visited the substation at Tuanaimato yesterday.

 “I wanted to be here in September 2017, not long after the launch event for the Plant nearly two years ago, but sadly I did not make it to the Pacific that time,” he said. 

“I hope that my presence here today (yesterday) shows you just how important this project is to European Union – this plant is very much a multi-donor programme in action!" 

“It’s a big part of our efforts to help strengthen Samoa’s renewable energy capacity and energy security and seeing this project near completion is heartening.”

The EU Commissioner also recognized the importance of the partnership between the Asian Development Bank, Samoa, New Zealand, and the European Union. 

“It is because without this collective effort, we would not be standing here today." 

Samoa’s energy security is critical and Fuluasou hydropower plant will play its part –  in helping Samoa be less dependent on expensive imported fossil fuel. 

“I trust this will make energy in Samoa more affordable and free up resources for other important priorities. 

“But equally important is how the plant will help Samoa in its transition to a low-carbon economy - replacing diesel generated power by clean power means less diesel, less emissions and less pollution,” he said.

He was also happy that the EU – through their contribution to the plant – is playing its part in helping Samoa reach its ambitious target of 100 per cent electricity generation from renewables by 2025.

“And today, our collective efforts boil down to one very real and tangible success – this near completed hydropower plant in Fuluasou.

“It is because projects like these, which help us collectively, get one-step closer to our universal targets under the 2030 Agenda – Sustainable Development Goals.

“I hope construction will be finished soon and I look forward to hearing about the Plant’s results once it is up and running.”

The Electric Power Corporation (EPC) project manager, Fonoti Perelini Perelini, said they did a power point presentation on an overview of renewable energy projects by EPC and on the ongoing construction of the Fuluasou hydro power plant and the proposed Alaoa multipurpose dam.

The EU is providing $5 million tala to the Fuluasou hydropower project.

By Adel Fruean 27 February 2019, 12:00AM

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