Floating Solar Photovoltaic System Installation Completed in Tuvalu

September 1, 2023

Funafuti, Tuvalu: The installation of Tuvalu's inaugural 100.8kW Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) system has been successfully completed, with this cutting-edge system seeing 184 solar panels positioned on Tafua Pond in Funafuti.

Like many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Tuvalu has been heavily reliant on imported fuel for its diesel-based power generation system. Through this new FSPV system 174.2 megawatts per hour of electricity will be generated each year, meeting two percent of Funafuti’s annual energy demand.

This innovative clean energy source will reduce the country’s reliance on diesel-powered energy generation by 47,100 litres per year – a saving of approximately US$68,000.

The Facilitation of the Achievement of the Sustainable National Energy Targets of Tuvalu Project (FASNETT)– implemented by the United Nations Development Programme Pacific Office in Fiji in partnership with the Government of Tuvalu is supported by the Global Environment Facility. The project aims to facilitate the development and utilisation of feasible renewable energy resources and applications of energy efficient technologies in Tuvalu.

The disruptive impact of global fuel prices has had significant repercussions on both local businesses and households, particularly in the Tuvalu’s remote islands. The Government of Tuvalu has been passionately engaged in harnessing renewable energy solutions that align with the country's climate mitigation agenda.

With the successful installation of the FSPV system, the Government of Tuvalu draws closer to its national energy objective of achieving a complete reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity generation sector by 2025, in alignment with the country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

General Manager of Tuvalu Energy Corporation, Mafalu Lotolua, underscored the Government of Tuvalu's pledge toward the use of innovative solutions, and stressed that without such action Tuvalu will continue to be hit hardest in the face of global climate change implications.

“This aspiration not only charts a promising path for the growth of renewable energy and energy-efficient enterprises but also serves as a testament to Tuvalu's unwavering commitment to sustainable methodologies as we strive for a greener, brighter future,” he said.

UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel, visited the site at Tafua Pond and said the installation signifies a determined leap forward on Tuvalu’s sustainable journey.

“Energy stands as the primary driver of climate change, responsible for almost 60 percent of overall global greenhouse gas emissions. This work seamlessly links with the United Nations Sustainable Development agenda, and through its successful implementation the Government of Tuvalu is taking substantial strides towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Ms. Altangerel said.

In addition to the installation of the FSPV system, the FASNETT project has supported the Government of Tuvalu with the commissioning of a solar powered capacitive deionization water desalination system, installation of a demand management response system, a rooftop solar photovoltaic system in the TEC Demo Fale, and implementation of stand-alone solar home system energy storage enhancement for Funaota.

The installation of the FSPV system was completed by the JGH Group of Denmark.

For more information please contact:

Mafalu Lotolua, General Manager-TEC, Tel: (+688) 20352/20357 email: mafaluloto2@gmail.com

Nick Turner, Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji; nicholas.turner@undp.org 

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