The proposed project will initiate and contribute to the transformation of the Kiribati energy sector to one that is low-carbon and adapted to growing climate and natural hazards. It will do this by installing the innovative, climate-adapted and efficient floating PV (FPV) for power generation and for services and benefits beyond electricity.
Does South Tarawa need solar power?
Constrained renewable energy development and lack of private sector participation. While grid-connected solar power is the least-cost renewable energy option for South Tarawa and there is significant resource potential of 554 MW, deployment has been limited.
What is the impact of a solar energy project in Kiribati?
The project is aligned with the following impact: renewable energy generation increased and greenhouse gas emissions reduced in Kiribati. The project will have the following outcome: generation and utilization of clean energy in South Tarawa increased.24 13. Output 1: Solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage system installed.
How much power does South Tarawa need?
The photovoltaic systems account for 22% of installed capacity but supply only around 9% of demand on South Tarawa; diesel generation supplies the remaining 91%. The PUB serves more than 57,000 people in South Tarawa, which has the highest demand at 24.7 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2019.
Why is South Tarawa project important?
This is a natural asset for South Tarawa and the project will help to reduce the decline in water availability and water quality as well as avoid the risk of further encroachment of incompatible land uses and contamination.
South Tarawa has the highest number of poor people with a poverty rate of 24%.11Around 20- 25% of households are headed by women. The high population density of over 3,600 people per km2is stressing the natural environment, housing, land management, sanitation services and underground water reserves.
How will Kiribati reduce fossil fuel consumption by 2025?
13 Kiribati committed to use renewable energy to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 2025 (23% reduction on South Tarawa, 40% on Kiritimati, and 40% on the outer islands). It has also set the target of using energy efficiency to further reduce diesel consumption by 2025 (22% on South Tarawa, 20% on Kiritimati, and 20% on the outer islands).