Does South Tarawa need solar power?

Constrained renewable energy development and lack of private sector participation. While grid-connected solar power is the least-cost renewable energy option for South Tarawa and there is significant resource potential of 554 MW, deployment has been limited.

Why is South Tarawa project important?

This is a critical natural asset for South Tarawa and the project will help to reduce the decline in water availability and water quality as well as avoid the risk of further encroachment of incompatible land uses and contamination.

How much power does South Tarawa need?

The photovoltaic systems account for 22% of installed capacity but supply only around 9% of demand on South Tarawa; diesel generation supplies the remaining 91%. The PUB serves more than 57,000 people in South Tarawa, which has the highest demand at 24.7 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2019.

What is the current electricity demand in South Tarawa?

Source: ADB. III. 22. The present yearly electricity demand in South Tarawa is around 29 GWh and is expected to grow by 2% annually. The total power rating available to PUB is around 5MW, sufficient to meet the above yearly demand when all diesel generation sets are operational.

Who generates grid-connected electricity in South Tarawa?

Grid-connected electricity in South Tarawa is generated and distributed by the state-owned Public Utilities Board (PUB).

What is the poverty rate in South Tarawa?

South Tarawa has the highest number of poor people with a poverty rate of 24%.11Around 20- 25% of households are headed by women. The high population density of over 3,600 people per km2is stressing the natural environment, housing, land management, sanitation services and underground water reserves.