Island of Yap opens ADB-backed renewable energy plants

The island group of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia has officially opened a couple of renewable energy facilities that will bolster its energy reliability and security.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Micronesia today inaugurated one wind park near Yap’s only urban centre -- Colonia, and a grid-connected solar power system that was installed on five government buildings across the island. The project also saw aging diesel generators being replaced by new ones.

The project helps the state of Yap reduce its dependency on imported diesel for power generation, stated James Lynch, Deputy Director General of ADB’s Pacific Department. The wind farm, which is capable of withstanding typhoons, is expected to produce about 11% of the current delivered electricity supply in Yap. The solar arrays, on the other hand, will generate some 6%.

ADB provided USD 9 million (EUR 7.3m) for the project, while the Yap state government contributed USD 2.1 million in counterpart financing.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.810)

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