ADB grant of USD 6m to bring more PV power to Tuvalu

Tuvalu. Image by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The island nation of Tuvalu, in the South Pacific, is getting a USD-6-million (EUR 5.4m) grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to build rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems and reduce its reliance on diesel generation.

The ADB said today the project will boost to 32% from 15% the share of renewables in power supply in the capital of Funafuti. In Tuvalu’s outer islands that share will surpass 90%, up from around 70% previously.

The grant to the Government of Tuvalu will support the installation of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) arrays with battery storage capacity in Funafuti, and ground-mounted solar parks in Nukufetau, Nukulaelae, and Nui. Under the project, Tuvalu Electricity Corporation will also be training staff in inclusive renewable energy project development and implementation.

Tuvalu has a 100% renewable energy target. When the ADB-backed project is completed, about 35% of the power used by locals during daylight hours will be renewable.

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