Off-grid solar container energy storage system of Palau power plant

Where is the largest solar-plus-storage project in the western Pacific?

Aerial view of the site. Image: Solar Pacific. The Pacific island country of Palau has welcomed the commissioning of its first large-scale solar-plus-storage project, representing the largest power plant of its kind in the Western Pacific region.

What will Palau's solar PV project do?

The project, which is also Palau's first grid-scale solar PV plant, will contribute significantly to the country's nationally self-determined contribution to meeting global climate targets as agreed in the Paris Accord. These include reaching 35% renewable energy, and reducing energy sector emissions to 22% below 2005 levels, by 2025.

How challenging is a project in Palau?

“With a project in a location as unique as the Republic of Palau, the jurisdiction itself is challenging as the project engineering codes and local requirements are very specific,” DNV energy systems project manager Michael Niu said.

Can a solar energy system meet the Philippines' energy demand?

According to its developer Solar Pacific Energy Corporation (SPEC), a subsidiary of Philippines-headquartered renewable energy company Altenergy, the hybrid system will be able to meet around 25% of the small country's energy demand.