On the Project for Study on Upgrading: and maintenance Improvement of National Power Grid in The Republic of Palau

Koror, Palau-A scheduled, the consultancy team from Japan arrived in Palau on July 9, 2017 and will be conducting a month-long assessment status of the National Power Grid.

[restrict] The Team consist of Yachiyo Engineering Co. (YEC) and the Kansai Electric Power Co.(KEPCO Their assessment includes site survey and the collection  of data and information necessary for the successful implementation of the project as well as the development of a master plan for 2030. The consultancy team presented and explained the Inception Report to PPUC that includes the following:

  • Summary of the project;
  • Approach, method and necessary data and information of the power demand forecast  and evaluation;
  • Basic policy of technical transfer
  • Introduction of preventive measures for the tree contract of power transmission nd distribution lines; and
  • Evaluations method of the introduction of renewable energy. Since their arrival, the team has gathered useful data and information with the assistance of key PPUC personnel.

On Thursday, July 20, 2017, a Memorandum between JICA and PPUC on this project was signed by Kione J. Isechal, CEO of PPUC, and Mr. Metsuhisa Nichikawa, Project Team leader from YEC. After proper assessment and consultation with PPUC and government agencies such as the Ministry of Finance (MOF), Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industries and Commerce (MPIIC), and the Palau Energy Administration, the team will provide a preliminary design for priority projects. The team is scheduled to meet with the Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB) next week in order to address social and environmental concerns.
This project will also improve the operation and maintenance of the power grid, rehabilitate aged electrical hardware, construct new substations, and re-align the power poles in Babeldaob onto the Compact Road.
The project will further develop a Road Map that allows the instruction and integration of grid-connected Renewable Energy supporting the Republic’s goal of increasing the use of Renewal Energy to 45 percent by year 2025.
This National Grid Project will help minimize power outages, system losses, and other disturbances such as transients’ faults, fluctuations, and spies. The Japan consultancy team is tentatively scheduled to conduct two more field surveys this year from September 17-October 27, 2017 and from November 19-December 16, 2017. [/restrict]