FSM and Chuuk dedicate first grid-tied solar energy system at Chuuk Airport

L-R: FSM President Mori and Governor Elimo, Chuuk State

FSMIS (June 7, 2013): On the roof of the Chuuk Airport terminal facing Mount Tonachaw, solar panels are easily visible. 

On June 5^th, President Manny Mori officiated the turn-over of the installed solar energy system  at the airport to the Chuuk State Government – the provision of which was made possible through a grant assistance from the Italian Government valued at a total of  U.S. $700,000 dollars. This grant will be divided in two phases.

The completed first phase involved the installation of 252 panels and five inverters along with other hardwares for an approximate power output of 64 kilowatt hours.

Governor Johnson Elimo, accepting the completed project on behalf of Chuuk, expressed gratitude to the FSM National Government and the Italian Government. He noted that the project was the first phase of a $700,000 dollar grant that will assure electricity generation to the airport and assist in lowering Chuuk’s reliance on fossil fuels.

President Mori, in his hand-over remark, acknowledged the role that the late Masao Nakayama, FSM Ambassador to the United Nations, played in seeking out and securing the grant. He then asked for all stakeholders for this project to shoulder their roles to maximize use and sustainability of the new technology. He also voiced appreciation to the Bruton Enterprise, a Chuuk-based company that engineered the installation; the FSM Department of Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure, the receiving entity; Dr. Steve Winter who assisted Ambassador Nakayama; and the Chuuk Public Utilities Corporation which will manage the use of the system.  

In closing, President Mori highlighted the need for Chuuk leaders and land owners to work out land-related issues that have continued to complicate infrastructure developments for long-term State-wide benefit.

“This is the first and certainly not the last”, President Mori said referring to the solar photovoltic system that is connected to the main electricity on Weno Island.