On the morning of September 10, 2024, the opening ceremony for the solar photovoltaic system was held at the Palau National Aquaculture Center in Koror. The event was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Palau, H.E. Jessica Lee, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Hon. Steven Victor, Taiwan Technical Mission Leader, Mr. Benjamin Tsai, TTM members, Tatung Forever Energy Company members, and the MAFE members, totaling 50 participants.
The Solar PV Systems are installed at 3 project sites including the Horticulture Demonstration Farm and Livestock Farm in Nekken and Aquaculture Center in Malakal respectively under the cooperative projects between MAFE and the Taiwan Technical Mission with the total power capacity of 259.805 kWp and batteries storage capacity of 1,977.40 kWh, the systems once actuated will significantly reduce the dependency on fossil fuels.
In her remarks, Ambassador Lee mentioned that Palau, like other Pacific island countries, faces climate change. The challenges of change require prompt action, including efforts to conserve energy, improve food security to reduce environmental impact risk. Today's solar system construction is a milestone in the collaboration efforts between Taiwan and Palau for the contribution of sustainable food security and renewable energy. These new installations are in line with Palau’s intended nationally determined contributions (NDCs), 45% renewable energy in 2025, 100% in 2032 respectively. In addition, Taiwan government has been cooperating with Palau for clean energy projects since 2005 and has already invested over $9 million USD for the development of renewable energy. Taiwan-Palau partnership stands as testament to what can be achieved through unity, innovation and shared values for our generation and future generations to come.
Minister Steven Victor mentioned that the deep friendship between Taiwan and Palau is like the sunshine provides energy to plants for growing. Thanks to the Taiwan government for its assistance, through personnel, technology, and construction investment improve the livelihood of the people of Palau. This construction and technology will further assist Taiwan-Palau collaborative projects, like aquaculture, livestock and horticulture to promote food and energy production, Thanks a lot to Taiwan government, embassy and ICDF.
