Grants of up to $100,000 are being offered for green energy initiatives and there is a rebate of 40 per cent on electric vehicle imports for a greener Samoa under the Samoa Emissions Reduction Programme (ERP).

Eligible projects which can be used to support community-level emissions development now have a chance of becoming a reality. People can also look forward to cheaper electric vehicles with the rebate.

To accelerate Samoa's transition to a low-carbon, sustainable, and greener economy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), in collaboration with the Government of New Zealand through the Samoa-New Zealand Climate Finance Partnership Arrangement has introduced a targeted Emissions Reduction Program (ERP) as part of its comprehensive climate change mitigation strategy. 

In addition to meeting international commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26 per cent by 2030 compared to 2007 levels, the ERP is intended to help Samoa reach its national goal of 70 per cent renewable energy consumption by 2031.

The programme's objective is to provide benefits for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in the transportation, energy, and tourism industries. 

The ACEO of MNRE Vainalepa Toiata Apelu Uili mentioned, "The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment established a program to help in all of their development and transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency, and it's a good opportunity for people who want to invest in renewable energy and to find the support and give them a funding to initiate their projects."

"The technical working group will review your application after we receive it, and it is an opportunity for our people to be able to afford the electric vehicles so we can reduce transportation-related emissions." 

“Therefore, we are considering rebating 40 per cent of the vehicle's total cost if it is an electric or hybrid vehicle. If the government is unable to support us, we are looking at supporting funds for the remaining 40 per cent.”

Rebates are also being offered for commercial rooftop solar with the option of an EV charger or battery storage. Commercial solar power choices include solar generation with no battery to counteract power consumption during the day and solar generation with battery storage to provide some coverage for use in the evening.

Additionally, these systems may have an integrated EV charger that draws electricity from solar energy to charge EVs and store additional batteries for usage at night. With this option, the EV charger can generate additional income because users can pay with debit or credit cards. 

The device can provide electricity for usage at night, however, it cannot provide power during blackouts. During the day, commercial solar panels offer clean, renewable energy and seamlessly interact with the main grid.

This implies that even a smaller installation can have a big impact on overall power costs and help reduce carbon emissions.

Without storage, installing a commercial system ranges from $2,500 to $3,000 per installed kW. 

Only cars made in the last ten years are eligible for the electric and hybrid vehicle rebate, which cannot exceed 40 per cent of the total vehicle cost. A battery status report emphasizing battery health of more than 80 per cent must be included with vehicles.

In the case of direct imports by individuals or corporations, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) or the Technical Working Group determines the approved supplier list from which vehicles are purchased and fulfils the performance, emissions, and service requirements set out by Samoa.

To prevent or limit the amount of refunds given to certain families or businesses, the buyer must keep the car for at least 12 months straight after the date of purchase.