On September 20, 2022, the Palau Public Utilities Corporation and Kayangel State Government co-hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the island’s Solar PV Hybrid System, a first of its kind in the Republic of Palau.
During the Pacific Island Forum in 2016, New Zealand announced USD 5 million grant aid to Palau, Marshall Island, and the Federated States of Micronesia. About USD 1.3 million was awarded to Palau to install a 65 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) and 165 kW battery energy storage system (BESS). The project completed its final commission in June of this year.
On a sunny day, the solar works simultaneously to power up the island while excess power charges the battery. PPUC used to deliver fuel to Kayangel 4 times a year but has reduced to only 1 delivery after installation of the hybrid system. PPUC is looking to copy this same system in the states of Peleliu and Angaur.
In 2021, the Kayangel Solar Hybrid System was awarded Best Off-Grid Renewable System at the Sustainable
Electricity Association of New Zealand’s (SEANZ) 2021 Energy Award.