Masdar delivers Samoa’s 1st wind farm

02/09/2014 01:29 AST

Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi inaugurated the country’s first wind farm. Delivered by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, the 550 kWe project is the second completed under the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) $50 million Pacific Partnership Fund, which is managed by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD). The inauguration ceremony comes two days before the start of the United Nations’ Third Conference on Small Island Developing States1, in Samoa’s capital.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar, said: “This UAE supported project, and others like it underway across the Pacific, unlock significant economic and social benefits across the region. By providing local sources of renewable energy and reducing reliance on imported fuels, the UAE is helping countries like Samoa realize its development ambitions, while also delivering valuable clean energy infrastructure.”

“Renewable energy has the potential to be a major contributor to the energy mix in developing countries, acting as a catalyst for greater socioeconomic opportunity. Today’s inauguration reinforces the UAE’s commitment to advancing and deploying renewable energy globally.”

Located on the Samoan island of Upolu – home to nearly 75 percent of the population – the wind farm will supply 1,500 MWh of power per year, delivering $475,000 in annual fuel cost savings. The innovative ‘cyclone proof’ project will also reduce the island’s carbon footprint by more than 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year.

Prime Minister of Samoa Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, added: “The new wind farm delivered by Masdar and funded by the ADFD is a significant step forward in Samoa’s transition to a more sustainable energy future. This has been possible thanks to the support of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates, and their commitment to advancing sustainable development. Access to renewable energy is vital to our long-term economic development, even beyond the substantial gains realized by cutting our dependence on imported fuel.”

Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, said: “The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is committed to working collaboratively with governments across the developing world, on projects that deliver tangible social and economic benefits.”

“This innovative, bespoke project offers energy access to thousands of people, whilst demonstrating the validity of renewable energy as an economic enabler. We believe this project will unlock a significant opportunity for the Samoan government and its people.”

The UAE Pacific Partnership Fund supports the deployment of renewable energy across Pacific island states and represents one of the largest-ever investments in clean energy across the region.

Saudi Gazette