It is beyond comprehension that the government would not consider renewable energy alternatives that could ensure a more permanent shift from fossil fuel to cleaner energy.

Green Energy Holdings (GEH) said its proposed Samoa Wind Hybrid Project “cannot be compared to existing or past independent power producers (IPPs)” because of the scale of investment, advanced technology, and grid-stabilising benefits it will bring to Samoa.

In its release, GEH rejected EPC’s position that its project should be evaluated in the same way as other IPPs. “The Samoa Wind Hybrid Project cannot be remotely compared to any existing IPP,” the company said. “We respectfully reject the very notion of continued comparison to all existing or past IPPs.”

Past renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement ventures have been ineffective in sharing the demand load. It could be that those solar PPAs had problems with power storage or had inferior quality solar panels that do not function in the slightest of overcast situations. The hydropower operations need an overhaul as well as most times they are not in operation. A bigger dam is needed in a location that would ensure the water demand is met.

It can now be said that the nation is almost 100 per cent dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation.

One of the reasons why the EPC seems to be delaying the wind power option is because of GEH’s request for an adjustment to the feed-in tariff. The company has said this reflects ongoing operational and maintenance costs due to inflation and is common practice in renewable energy agreements around the world.

GEH said its proposal includes a mechanism to ensure “no financial repercussion or risk” to EPC. “In a perfect world, where there is zero inflation and zero rise in the costs of business operations, then perhaps a flat rate makes perfect sense,” the company said. “But that is not the world we live in.”

EPC’s response that large-scale renewable projects like GEH’s are still years away is unsatisfactory because very little is being done to move away from buying fossil fuel. Why is that? Samoa aims to achieve a 70 per cent renewable energy share by 2031, as outlined in its "Low Emissions Development Strategy 2021-2030". This target is part of a broader vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure energy security and resilience. We are not going to reach that target if every viable option is booted out and unviable ones opt for. That is exactly what is happening.

If this continues the intended target will not be reached and the only winner here will be the diesel suppliers. They will be happy to continue supplying diesel because their supply chain will not be impacted.

GEH argues its project offers a long-term solution at a price no higher than current diesel-generated power. “This wind hybrid project shall help achieve Samoa’s climate goals, reduce reliance on fossil fuel, and attain energy security — all while never exceeding the cost that EPC produces electricity via fossil fuel,” the company stated.

The year is 2025 and if it takes three years for the wind energy scheme to be set up, then that is ample time to reach the intended target. It is highly questionable that we are not exploring these options.

GEH’s project was approved by the cabinet in June 2024 to proceed to PPA negotiations. The company is awaiting the outcome of an EPC board meeting scheduled for 27 March. The Regulator has also confirmed she was still waiting to receive a draft PPA for review and approval.

The national power crisis has arisen from indecisions. We do not need another one to mar the future of energy in Samoa. Take the right option, it may be hard given there are vested interests from parties who stand to benefit from other deals but it would be the right thing to do for the people.