On Thursday, September 8, 2022, the Government of Japan and Palau signed an Exchange of Notes (E/N). Following the signing of the E/N, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement with the Government of the Republic of Palau, to provide the largest grant aid of up to 2.410 billion yen (approximately 20 million USD) for the Project for the Development of Power Transmission Network. The signing ceremony was held at the New Otani Hotel in Japan by Minister Charles I. OBICHANG (MPII) and Senior Vice President YAMANAKA Shinichi (JICA Headquarter) with the attendance of President Surangel Whipps Jr. and his delegation.
Under this project, sustainability of power supply will be improved through construction and rehabilitation of substations and transmission lines in Koror, Airai, Aimeliik, Ngchesar, and Melekeok. It is expected that this project will facilitate the social and economic development and to accelerate the use of renewable energy in Palau. This project will contribute to the achievement of SDGs Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy) and 13 (Climate action) and contribute to Palau’s renewable energy ratio target of 45% by 2025 and 100% by 2032.
The implementation period is 36 months, including detailed design work and bidding period. The executing agency is the Palau Public Utilities Corporation. This project will facilitate improvements and equipment procurement, construction and procure transmission and distribution lines, including consulting services, detailed design work, bidding assistance, and construction and procurement supervision.
To learn more about this and other JICA Programs, contact the Ministry of State or JICA Palau Office, or visit https://www.jica.go.jp/english or Facebook, JICA Palau Office.