The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM ) have officially opened renewable energy facilities in Yap Island to strengthen the FSM region’s energy reliability and security.
ADB provided a $9m loan for the project, which was used to build a windfarm capable of resisting typhoons, to install grid-connected solar panels to five government buildings across the island and to purchase new fuel-efficient diesel generators.
ADB Pacific Department deputy director general James Lynch said: “The project helps the state of Yap achieve a renewable energy future by reducing dependency on imported diesel through the expansion of renewable power generation.”
With the purchase of more fuel-efficient power generators, Yap officials intend to reduce diesel consumption by approximately 11.5% from current levels.
The new renewable energy sources installed in the Yap region would replace around 17% of electricity currently generated by diesel generators.
