With a population of just over 100,000 inhabitants and over 3,700 kilometers (2,230 miles) from its nearest market of Japan, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) faces numerous problems related to its small size and isolation. However, one recurring and core challenge facing FSM has been getting consistent, affordable electricity to homes, families and businesses.
The new streetlights are part of a work between the World Bank and FSM’s Department of Resources and Development in partnership with the state of Chuuk and the Chuuk Public Utility Corporation to power up the state’s main island. The benefits of more efficient and cheaper streetlights are immense. They allow residents to walk home safely at night, local businesses to operate longer, and they make driving at night considerably safer. The World Bank-supported Energy Sector Development Project is supporting the improvement of the generation, efficiency and reliability of electricity supply across the country.
“While each state of FSM is benefiting from the program, here in Chuuk we managed to put just under 400 streetlights right across the system,” explained Mark Waite, former CEO of the Chuuk Public Utility Corporation. “Prior to that, there were very few streetlights available.”
The project has also financed energy plans in each of the four states, which contributed to the National Energy Master Plan launched in April 2018. Through this national plan the country aims to coordinate efforts to reduce its reliance on imported fuels, increase access to modern energy services and increase access to renewable energy services by 30% in 2020.
“Helping to deliver efficient and renewable energy in FSM will improve the affordability and sustainability of electricity for families and businesses across the country,” said Leopold Sedogo, Senior Energy Specialist with the World Bank. “Better access to electricity is intrinsically linked to better standards of education, healthcare, gender equality and poverty reduction; all of which will positively impact the lives of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia.”
The $14.4 million Energy Sector Development Project is funded through a grant from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the world’s most in-need countries, and is being implemented by FSM’s Department of Resources and Development. A follow-on project to be funded from IDA is under preparation.
Original source: World Bank
Published on 16 November 2018