March 2014: A project to integrate solar energy and saltwater desalination has increased the supply of clean water eight-fold for 450 residents of the Palau state of Peleliu. The project, designed to demonstrate opportunities at the water-energy nexus, is administered through the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), with support from the Government of Japan through the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund.

In addition to providing clean water, the project will eliminate 28 tons of carbon emissions that would otherwise be released from diesel fuels to power the desalination plant. At the commissioning ceremony for the project on 25 March 2014, Tommy Esang Remengesau, Jr., President of Palau, stated that the project will be a pilot for Palau, noting that if successful, it “will be replicated to other islands that have the same issues with access to safe water.” Tuiloma Neroni Slade, PIF Secretary General, was also in attendance, along with Chargé d’ Affairs at the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Palau, Takao Anzawa.

The PEC Fund is a US$66 million commitment from the Government of Japan to support solar energy and saltwater desalination to PIF countries. [Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Press Release]