23 May 2012: The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) has announced that Kiribati will have access to US$4 million in funding from the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) to supplement electricity generation through solar energy.

According to PIFS, the “Kiribati Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Grid Connected Project” will include the installation of a 400kWp solar PV system directly connected to the South Tarawa electricity grid. The project is anticipated to contribute 3.7% of the total electricity production of Kiribati’s Public Utilities Board (PUB). The project will be implemented by Kiribati’s Energy Planning Unit in the Ministry of Public Works and Utilities.

The PEC Fund is a commitment by the Government of Japan of ¥6.8 billion (approximately US$66 million) to support PIF Country projects focusing on the provision of solar power generation systems and seawater desalination plants. To date, in addition to Kiribati, Cook Islands, FSM, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu and have accessed the Fund for renewable energy projects. [PIFS Press Release]