The “Project of Desalination System and Solar Power Generation under the PEC Fund” includes a 100m3/day desalination plant on Funafuti, and two mobile 10m3/day plants for use on outer islands during dry periods.
A 65.52kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system will also be installed in Funafuti, and connected to the power grid.
11 October 2011: The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) has announced that US$4 million from the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) has been approved for desalination and solar power activities in Tuvalu.
The “Project of Desalination System and Solar Power Generation under the PEC Fund” includes a 100m3/day desalination plant on Funafuti, and two mobile 10m3/day plants for use on outer islands during dry periods. A 65.52kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system will also be installed in Funafuti, and connected to the power grid. It is anticipated that this system will result in annual cost savings equivalent to 38 tons of diesel.
Tuvalu declared a state of emergency in September 2011, as a result of severe drought due to low rainfall. Tuiloma Neroni Slade, PIFS Secretary General, said the project will complement efforts to address the state of emergency, contribute to sustainable water supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. [PIFS Press Release]