The French government declared support for Palau’s planned 100-megawatt microgrid project.
In a December 10 letter to President Tommy Remengesau Jr., Nicolas Galey, French Ambassador to Palau praised the island nation’s commitment towards a transition to clean energy.
ENGIE EPS signed a 30-year agreement with Palau to construct a renewable energy project that will feature solar photovoltaic (PV) and lithium-ion battery energy storage — 35 MW of solar PV and 45 MWh of energy storage. It will be integrated with 28 MW-peak of existing diesel-fueled generation.
Galey said Palau’s move to become 45 percent renewable by 2025 will “show strong leadership and vision in the global combat to climate change and in the efforts to adapt to its effects.
France has committed to a 40 percent target reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 and a 75 percent reduction by 2050 compared to 1990.
Galey said France is committed in establishing partnership with Palau related to the field of environment and climate issues, “which are so crucial to both France and Palau.”
He said the Engie project is in line with France’s plan to collaborate with Palau on various environmental projects in the future.
“I take this opportunity to mention an energy project which would relate quite well to what I just mentioned regarding cooperation in the field of environment- namely the recent signature of the agreement with Engie EPS to develop a 100 MW micro grid which will combine renewable energy and energy storage,” Glay stated. (Bernadette H. Carreon)