Two villages in Savai’i have been identified as potential sites to become part of a pilot programme for biogas development.

The Improving the Performance and Reliability of Renewable Energy Power System in Samoa [I.M.P.R.E.S.S.] Projects Biogas Initiative Project Coordinator, Vainalepa Toiata Apelu-Uili, in an email response to the Samoa Observer said the villages of Sa’asa’ai and Vaisala in Savaii have been supportive.

“We have completed Phase 1 – that is the assessment of the sites,” she said. “This was done to see if there is enough feedstock, system design and etc. for the biogas systems. A community consultation for each site was carried out in the last two weeks.”

Vainalepa stated that the villages of Sa’asa’ai and Vaisala showed interest in the biogas technology during one of the outreach programmes run by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment [M.N.R.E.], and according to her was a good time for the I.M.P.R.E.S.S Project formulation.

“The team of experts that was chosen by G.E.F to formulate and develop the I.M.P.R.E.S.S project visit these two villages and confirm their need for this technology,” she added. 

When asked how this will benefit the villages of Sa’asa’ai and Vaisala, she said it will be their knowledge of renewable energy technology. 

“The villages will gain knowledge on this type of renewable energy technology. Save money from buying L.P.G [liquefied petroleum] gas, as they can now generate their own gas from waste. To improve household sanitation using onsite renewable energy technology [biogas systems].”

Vainalepa said construction and training has been planned for the fourth quarter of this year.