Increasing Samoa’s renewable energy generation by strengthening hydropower capacity

Renewable Energy Development and Power Sector Rehabilitation Project

The popular perception of Pacific islands as paradise forgets the fact that they too face challenges in energy generation. Wanting to reduce fossil fuel dependence and address system resiliency, we worked with Electric Power Corporation of Samoa to build a more robust, renewable energy system.

Providing technical, financial, and procurement expertise, our team worked to rehabilitate three of the island’s existing small hydropower plants (SHPs) and construct three new ones. As Cyclone Evan had damaged the three existing SHPs, our overarching focus was on creating resilient and robust energy resources that could withstand future natural disasters—especially considering Samoa’s vulnerability to the consequences of climate change. Following site visits and an inception mission, we developed tender documents, evaluated tenders, and prepared contract documents for three separate work packages. We provided site supervision and assisted in contract and construction management during the works.

Our proactive approach addressed Samoa’s lack of renewable energy resources. By building hydropower capacity and improving operation and asset management, Samoa boasts more future-focused, environmentally friendly electrical generation to serve its citizens.