The Japanese government's development agency has signed a five-year agreement with the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) to increase its capability to undergo energy transition in Samoa.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed the Technical Cooperation Project agreement with the EPC as part of an initiative known as "The Project for Energy Transition in the Pacific Island Countries." 

The JICA also supports other Pacific Power Association (PPA) members such as Fiji, Tuvalu, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The primary goal of the project for Samoa is to promote energy transition and decarbonization in the energy sector. 

It intends to improve generation and transmission planning in order to promote increased incorporation of variable renewable energy (VRE) and to support the scaling-up of local capability and capacity through coordinated training and knowledge transfer in the area of energy transition.

Participants in Samoa will receive extensive training, especially in Fiji and Japan. The training will provide the participants with new abilities, resulting in three important outcomes for the State-owned Samoan utility company: (a) Enhanced understanding: strengthening insights into energy transition by fostering comprehensive capacity development for generation planning (b) Methodological robustness: establishing methodologies for power transmission and distribution grid planning to ensure grid stabilization and promote cost-effective development and (c) Advancements in hybrid power generation: Improving the effectiveness of Hybrid Power Generation Systems through innovative enhancements.

Through information exchange, strategic capacity development, and the promotion of innovative solutions, the project aims to create a foundation for a sustainable and environmentally conscious energy landscape in Samoa. 

The EPC General Manager Faumui Tauiliili Toimoana signed the five-year agreement with the JICA Resident Representative Yumiko Asakamu.