Pens Agencies in Pacific Nationsl Islands Energy for Sustainable Development Partnership (PIESD) Bringing to You Current Biofuel Energy Developments in the Region

Energy, Environment& Economics

Number 1, May 2008 CONTENTS Welcome to the first issue of the Pacific Energy News for 2008. Regional Activities PIESD updates As we progress to the end of first quarter of 2008, we are pleased to present the first issue of National News the Pacific Energy News for the year. Pacific Island Country News

This issue provides a wide coverage of current national, regional and international energy issues Regional News relevant to the Pacific region. EU Supports to the Pacific Region REEEP assists major Pacific RE initiative In this issue, we include updates of Pacific UN opens Agencies in Pacific Nationsl Islands Energy for Sustainable Development Partnership (PIESD) bringing to you current Biofuel energy developments in the region. Petroleum April, 22 2008 was recognized as the Regional Earth/Energy Day. In leading up to this, SOPAC International News has worked with member countries to celebrating Japan to offer US$10 Billion in Global Warming this important day in creating more awareness in Aid to Developing Countries the promotion of energy conservation and Samsoe: Europe’s Renewable Energy Island efficiency measures. In this regard, we include Australia’s 20% clean energy commitment in this issue a new column on latest Clean Energy – It’s Getting Affordable developments and discoveries on energy Highlight of the 148th Meeting of the OPEC efficient lighting and other technologies which we hope will bring greater knowledge on new Clean Development Mechanism technologies in the region.

Energy Technology Developments Again we welcome contributions, news and opinions, announcements and feedback that you Energy efficient lighting would like to share with other readers of PEN. Renewable Devices Swift Turbines We have two more issues coming up for 2008, Finding Energy All Around Us so your comments and contributions are most New Clean Energy Project Analysis Tool welcome. REEGLE – information gateway for renewable energy and energy efficiency Please note the next issue of PEN will be in Renewable Energy Jobs Soar in Germany August. Lastly thank you to those that have contributed to this issue. Announcements • Regional Earth Day 22nd April 2008

Enjoy Reading Staff Updates

We look forward to receiving comments, announcements and articles from our readers, please send these to the following address:

PEN Newsletter, Community Lifelines Programme, SOPAC Secretariat, Private Mail Bag, GPO. Suva, Fiji. or email [email protected]

Tel: (679) 3381377

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We are pleased to present to our readers Solar Cooking Demonstration and Monitoring updates on the “Pacific Islands Energy for Kiribati and Tuvalu Sustainable Development Partnership (PIESD) A technical collaboration between SOPAC and initiatives implemented at different stages by the the Ferris University commenced in February Pacific Island Countries and SOPAC. Brief 2008. The Ferris University students with a updates are presented below: professor from Japan visited SOPAC for signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). GOVERNMENT OF ITALY AND THE PACIFIC The Ferris University agreed to provide financial SMALL ISLAND STATES PARTNERSHIP assistance for the demonstration workshop and assist SOPAC in procurement of three models of The main components of the programme will solar cookers, the Karu-pika (Parabolic), the Sun include the development in the Pacific Small Oven and the Island States of adaptation measures as well as Hand Made the development and dissemination of the Cooker (HMC). use of local renewable energy sources and biofuels to meet the energy security of the A demonstration Pacific Small Islands countries. workshop was convened in Sub-programmes in this partnership are: Kiribati from 14 to 21 February 2008 1. Development of climate change with the Energy adaptation measures; Planning Unit of 2. Assessment of energy requirements and the Ministry of strengthening of energy policies and Works and Public action plans; Utilities, SOPAC 3. Rural electrification; and Ferris 4. Development of biofuels; and University in 5. Development of renewable energy collaboration with sources. the major women’s group (AMAK). Contact: Rupeni Mario:[email protected] Representatives of Pacific Islands Greenhouse Gas Abatement the women based through Renewable Energy Project communities on (PIGGAREP) South Tarawa were invited for the Upcoming activities include: demonstration Renewable Energy Application for Small Island workshop and were States Workshop in Vanuatu from 21 – 25 April also engaged at Solar cooking demonstrations, Kiribati 2008 the public Nauru Wind Power Feasibility Study 30 May 2008 demonstration. Technical Design of the Mabuduwan Solar PV Tuvalu will be visited in September when Power System, Papua New Guinea 14 May 2008 SOPAC’s and Ferris University will share views Study and Establishment of a Renewable and ideas through a solar cooker demonstration Energy & Energy Efficiency Unit at the Tuvalu workshop. Solar cooking in Kiribati was Electricity Corporation 30 May 2008 successful and a variety of foods were cooked Review of the Ha’apai Solar Electricity using solar energy. A six month monitoring Incorporated 30 April 2008 period has been developed with the Pre-feasibility study of the Sinivit Geothermal communities, where the women will be using the Power Generation Project (SGPGP), Papua New three solar cookers and trialing more local Guinea 30 April 2008 cooking. Contact Contact Solomone Fifita, [email protected] Koin Etuati Email: [email protected]

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Renewable Energy Development for The Pacific Micro Energy Services Company Electricity Generation and Productive Uses in (PMESCOs) Project Selected Pacific Island States The PMESCOs project implemented through The objective of this project is to develop a SOPAC with co-financing from REEEP programmatic approach at the regional level to (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency promote development of renewable energy Partnership) is to develop an appropriate and sources (biofuel energy & solar) for power affordable solar energy lighting system for the generation, productive uses, and to enhance most vulnerable communities in both the energy security in selected Pacific Island States. Solomon Islands and Kiribati.

UNIDO with support from the Government of Activities in the past months included Austria will oversee the execution of project consultations at the community level in Kiribati to activities, implemented through SOPAC in close determine an appropriate and affordable lighting collaboration with national energy and system. The final identification of the system agricultural offices. A Steering Committee will be was collectively discussed and approved both by set up under the project to provide guidance, the solar entrepreneurs and the households evaluation and approval of the work programme, through a consultative process. budget and the elaboration of a long-term sustainable strategy. Solomon Islands will be visited in May 2008 for community consultation and promotion of the The identification of financing and investment solar LED lighting systems. A micro credit opportunities for promoting renewable energy facility will be established in both countries. technologies will be one of the key objectives. Where biofuels are the focus, steps will be taken Promotion of this project at various workshops to ensure that development does not compete and the project’s ability in reducing kerosene use with food production and negative environmental and contributing less to climate change were impacts are studied in detail through discussed at a regional workshop on CDM development of sustainability indicators. Awareness Forestry Workshop organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Communities convened UNIDO will build on and complement the existing in January 2008 in Nadi. work within the region, and adopt the following strategic approaches: One of the barriers identified in the implementation of this project is getting an • To develop a programmatic approach for appropriate and affordable system to the rural renewable energy development in Pacific communities that will suit the rural communities Islands (to begin with, the focus will be on and which will need little maintenance and at Samoa and the Solomon Islands); which the energy entrepreneurs will determine its • To disseminate information on best practices appropriateness to the cultural settings. through workshops/seminars and publications; Affordability of the system is also another issue • To facilitate networking and partnerships considering the target communities are those between institutions working in the field of communities with limited opportunity for income renewable energy at the regional/national generating activities and but relying on sales of level; and local produce such as copra, fish and crops. • To mobilize resources from multi/bilateral donors, and also explore funding from global Installations of these systems in Solomon mechanisms such as GEF, UNF and the EU. Islands and Kiribati will be carried out around June and July 2008 respectively. For more information contact: Contact: Rupeni Mario Koin Etuati Energy Adviser Project Officer – Energy Email: [email protected] Email:[email protected]

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EU (REP-5 PROGRAMME), SOPAC & LlVE PACIFIC ENERGY & GENDER (PEG) AND LEARN NETWORK & REP-PoR (UNDP)

Energy Efficient Training and Public Awareness Media Based Advocacy Initiative to Mainstream Campaign Gender Issues in Regional and National Energy Policies for Poverty/Hardship Reduction SOPAC with LIVE AND LEARN was provided a contract through the REP-5 EU project to provide The objective of the project executed by SOPAC technical assistance to the Republic of Nauru on as the PEG Secretariat was to support energy efficient training and awareness. mainstreaming gender energy and poverty/hardship issues and linkages into The purpose of the assistance is: national and regional energy policies and action plans through enhanced awareness on the need • To plan and to carry out energy efficiency to ensuring equitable access to energy for rural awareness raising and a public education communities in Pacific island countries. campaign in coordination with the Energy Efficiency Officer, the Aid Manangement Unit In this context, the PEG has developed energy (AMU), Nauru Island Association of NGOs awareness materials highlighting the benefits of (NIANGO) and the Nauru Utility. gender mainstreaming through the following outputs: • To develop an outline for an Energy Efficiency Action Plan (EEAP), that identifies the • A DVD titled “ Energy Opportunities in the main inefficiencies (demand side) in Nauru and Pacific” highlighting the use of community based lay out goals, strategies, actions, financial renewable energy case studies from Vanuatu requirements and milestones for increasing and the Solomon Islands; energy efficiency in the short, medium and long- term. • Information materials – pamphlets, posters, booklets • To train the Energy the Efficiency Officer to for the general public were work in coordination with the Nauru Utility, translated into four languages – NIANGO and the AMU to carry out the energy I-Kiribati, Samoan, Solomon efficiency campaign, information dissemination Islands Pidgen, Tuvaluan and and public awareness activities, including audits Vanuatu Bislama. and to implement an Energy Efficiency Action Plan. • A technical publication that analyses the integration • To carry out energy audits in government of gender advocacy into the buildings, specifically the hospital and the respective PICs energy government offices, and for at least fourteen policies and associated action households (i.e one demonstration household plans. This was developed in per district). response to the 2007 Pacific Energy Ministers • To build capacity within the local NGOs in Communiqué. This particular NIANGO in order to encourage their publication is now ready for involvement in the energy efficiency campaign in dissemination. the local communities within Nauru.

A Gender Water and Energy Booklet for distribution to lower

primary students.

More information: Rupeni Mario, Energy Adviser [email protected] Contact: Rupeni Mario: [email protected]

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SOPAC / Technical Center for Agricultural meters, connecting currently unconnected and Rural Cooperation (CTA) /SOPAC/FDoE households and replacing the 30+ year old cables and switches. According to the rules of Biofuel project in Nacamaki, Koro, Fiji Islands. the Fiji Rural Electrification Programme, the villagers will contribute 10% of the total cost of The Fiji Department of Energy (FDoE) and the upgrade while the Fiji Government pays the SOPAC, Community Lifelines Programme are remaining 90%. assisting the village of Nacamaki, Koro, Fiji Islands with developing the village economy by During consultation with the villagers, it utilising local resources such as copra. In the appeared the copra cooperative, the women’s first visit during March 2007, a feasibility study group and the village elders all support the on the utilisation of locally produced coconut oil project and want to go ahead. Depending on the for fuel, soap, and oil-based consumer products local price of copra and diesel, the villagers can was produced. A second visit was held from 30 choose which fuel to use for their power needs March – 2 April 2008. and coconut oil-based value added products will be a significant expansion of the village The feasibility study formed the basis for a economic base. proposal to the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation, ACP-EU (CTA) for financial assistance in establishing a mini-mill in the village, combined with a biofuel generator and assistance in production of soap and oil- based consumer products as well as marketing of these products. The CTA proposal “Generating and Disseminating Knowledge on Community Based Processing of Coconut Oil in the Pacific” was granted funding in December Copra driers in Koro, Fiji 2007.

As the title indicates, the CTA project aims to Coconut Oil Biofuel Training generate and disseminate knowledge about During 16 and 17 April, a biofuel training was village-based oil production. Part of the activities held for technical staff of FDoE and Public Works in the project is to produce a DVD, web material Department that work with and/or design rural and radio spots, for which the Media Centre of electrification schemes, fitters, and electricians. the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) The programme consisted of one day of theory has been contracted. and one day practical. The main resource person was Dr. Gilles Vaitilingom, biofuel expert In December 2007, it was agreed that FDoE from Centre de Coopération Internationale en would carry out an energy survey in the village in Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement preparation for the project, after which the (CIRAD) community will be consulted on the way forward.

During the month of May, the community will be consulted and trained on coconut mill operation, oil production facility management and energy service company management. The Soqosoqo ni Marama (women’s group) within the village will focus on the production of value added products such as cooking oil, body lotion, soap, etc, with training on the production and marketing to be provided from the CTA project. The village contribution will be the construction of the oil production facility building and the provision of in-kind labour during the initial stages of the More information: project. [email protected]

The FDoE will assist in the upgrade of the electrical system of the village, introducing kWh

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NATIONAL NEWS

FIJI Solar system lights up village Tuesday, April 01, 2008 An initiative of a women's group in the Northern

Division saw 15 families received solar power. $40m to save clans – February 29 The families of Visoqo Village in the district of Talks were under way to build a $40-million Namuka in Macuata could not believe their eyes factory to produce ethanol from cassava. when their homes were brightened by solar The proposed factory would consume 30,000 lights. tonnes of cassava per month and produce Macuata Soqosoqo ni Marama president Adi 50,000 tonnes of ethanol annually needing below Sainimili Dyer said the installation of the solar 5000 hectares of land to sustainably supply this. system in the village was made possible by local It was estimated that the factories annual ethanol and international donors. The major donor was output was capable of reducing fuel imports to the UNDP and through their donation the village Fiji by 10%. Ethanol produced could be used for was able to put up 15 solar systems for the land transport, sea transport, air transport and in families. The villagers have been advised to generators. look after their solar systems properly and take good care of it because it now belongs to them Source: The Fiji Times - www.fijitimes.com and for the sake of their children's studies at night, parents should take good care of the Islanders adapt to higher fuel prices system. Thursday, April 03, 2008 Most people in outer islands would have to do Adi Sainimili said the best part of their project without activities that consume fuel due to the was seeing smiles on the villager’s faces. increase in its price. Just three days after the announcement of a further increase in the price "It touched our hearts to see the smiles on the of fuel, villagers were teaching themselves to villagers' faces and they kept thanking the use fuel wisely. donors and the group for their help in providing Mr Sekitoga from Kadavu village stated that electricity," she said. most of islanders were just beginning to feel the It is a new thing for them because since the time pinch of paying the heavy prices of fuel For a of their forefathers, they have not had electricity galloon of pre-mix the cost is $12.80 which used in the village. She said the nearby villages of to be $9, 20 litres. A 200 litres costs $51.60 and Cawadevo and Nasovivi were being prepared for now its about $400. solar lighting systems. It takes 30 minutes to travel by punt from his Source: www.fijtimes.com village in Kadavu to Vunisea where the government station and the business centre are PAPUA NEW GUINEA situated. Now the villagers travel there when Biodiesel Project Planned they really need to. He said people were on PNG’s Aroma Coast – conscious of having to pay a higher boat fare for January 14 a trip now because it is expensive to charter PNG Sustainable Energy boats. Limited (PNGSEL), and Aroma Coconut Products Co-operative has signed a new deal to Mr Sekitoga charged $7 from $6 for a return trip start a pilot project on coconut bio-diesel to sell to Vunisea for his customers. Customers had no to vehicles in the Aroma Coast. other choice but to pay if they want to get things for their families from Vunisea. The project which is worth more than US$37,000 Another villager, Josateki Tawake of Navaga on would go on for three months in which time they Koro Island used fuel for fishing since it was his would assess if the project was viable and worth family's main source of income but now he will investing money in to. In additiion there were have to go out to sea only during low tide so he also plans to rehabilitate coconut plantations to can just collect seashells from the beach where develop a power station that is fully operated on there is no need for fuel. coconut bio diesel. Source: Papua New Guinea Post-Courier Further information & source: The Fiji Times www.postcourier.com.pg/

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ExxonMobil said its subsidiary, Esso Highlands, PNG Utility Plans $409 Million Power Station would treat natural gas at a conditioning plant at January 25 the Hides field and pipe the gas to a location PNG Power Limited has planned to build a new about 20km north west of Port Moresby, where a power station at a cost of US$409 million to 6.3 million tonnes a year LNG facility will be built. boost power supplied by the Yonki Hydro power system. Source: The National The new Ramu 2 hydro power station, when completed, would produce 240 mega- watts of SAMOA electricity and would supply power to the Ramu nickel and the Marengo gold projects in Madang Samoa Electricity Rates to Jump 7.5 % Province as well as pump up power supply to the January 24 Highlands and parts of Mamose. Samoa’s electricity cost has increased by 7.5 %. This Source:Papua New Guinea Post-Courier: came after continual www.postcourier.com.pg/ increases in fuel prices which $100 Million Ethanol Project underway in has increase by 18% since the last tariff PNG – February 28 surcharge adjustment that was done a year ago. A Korean firm Changhae Tapioka (PNG) has The increased electricity rates sees an increase funded a US$100 million cassava bio-fuel project in fuel surcharge by a further 7.3% from the in Central province and has implemented its first current 15%, resulting in a total fuel surcharge of 22.3%. This new fuel surcharge adjustment was phase by testing the 10 most feasible cassava st species in PNG. It is expected by the end of this to have commenced on the 1 of February. year that the best suited variety is chosen for the project which will be propagated by participating Source: Samoa Observer www.samoaobserver.ws/ farmers nationwide with plans to develop over 20,000ha in Launakalana for its nucleus SOLOMON ISLANDS plantation and includes 100ha for the nursery site in Bore. Japan Funded Project Source – The National Upgrades Power in Honiara– February 20. Phase 2 of the Japanese Government-funded Australian Report Proposed Carbon project title ‘underground power lines to improve Agreement with PNG – Mar 6 reliability” has been completed and handed over An Australian Government-commissioned report to the Honiara Power Supply Improvement has recommended Australia to sign an Project. This involved the laying of 33kVA agreement with Papua New Guinea to reduce underground cables along the roadside and the emission of greenhouse gases. The proposed construction of three substations. One is at agreement could lead to PNG becoming part of Henderson east of the Airport Motel. Others are an international carbon trade market through the at Ranadi and White River Market. sale of emissions from conserved rainforests and Solomon Islands Electricity Authority general at the same time be compensated for loss of manager Andrew Daka said customers should economic opportunity. experience fewer outages and improved power Source: PNG post Courier quality through better voltage regulation.

Exxon Mobile, PNG sign Gas Project Phase 1 of the Project was handed over on 24 Agreement – Mar 14 August last year. This saw the installation of a ExxonMobile has signed a joint operating 4.2 Megawatt generator at the Lungga power agreement with its partners in the US$10.4 station. billion Papua New Guinea liquid natural gas (LNG) project. Oil Search managing director Source: The Solomon Star Peter Botten said the deal paved the way for the http://www.solomonstarnews.com/?q=node/16958 start of a critical front-end engineering and Solomons, World Bank Sign Energy design work, which would commence after the Agreement. – Mar 21 signing of a gas agreement with the PNG The Minister for Mines and Energy Edward Government. Huniehu and the World Bank representative,

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Antonie de Wilde have signed an agreement not considered as the power plants engines are paving the way for joint participation in the not fit for this kind of fuel. The Malakal Plant is development of sustainable and alternative currently consuming 380,000 galloons of fuel per energy in the country. month.

The signed document which spelt out potential For the rest of the packages, three fuel and viable sources of energy development in companies are bidding for the contract, they are certain parts of the country was part of an on- Mobil, Shell and SK Company, a Korean based going research and survey of potential locations Fuel Company. PPUC is also bidding out throughout the country to develop alternative contracts for lubricants supply. energy using hydro-power. In future, it is intended that this sustainable energy Sources: Pacific Islands Report development will extend to the mining sector. www.pidp.eastwestcentre.org/pireport/text.shtml Source: SIBC

KIRIBATI

TONGA Increase in Electricity tariff The Kiribati Government has approved an Tonga Electricity Rates increased in electricity tariff proposed by the Skyrocket 23 Percent - Febuary 15 Government Owned electricity provider, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) effective 1st Electricity tarrif charges in Tonga have increased February 2008. by 20.7 percent to 23 percent. This saw the price of electricity rose by up to 15 seniti per unit in The increase in tariff also marked the end of Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua. Government subsidies to the PUB amounted to The new increased tarrif charges will see Vava'u AUD120,000.00 every month since August 2007. consumers at 85.15 seniti per unit (20.7% increase), followed by Tongatapu consumers at The rates are: 83.15 seniti per unit (21.4% increase), and Category New Rate Old Rate Increase Ha'apai and 'Eua consumers at 78.15 seniti per (Per (per (per kwhr) unit (23% increase). kwhr) kwhr) Domestic $0.40 $0.34 $0.06 For the Domestic users in Tongatapu and Commercial $0.55 $0.47 $0.08 Vava'u, the government monthly subsidy of 11 Industrial $0.70 $0.70 $0.23 seniti per kilowatt hour, for the first 200 units is still in place and would be considered on a Source: RMAT Issue 05 month to month basis. KOIL to Increase Fuel Storage Capacity Kiribati lone oil company has been given the Castalia Ltd., the Economic and Strategic green light by government to increase its fuel Advisors for TEPB, advised that a 21 percent storage capacity to meet the increasing public’s increase in tariff was justifiable to cover the fuel consumption by constructing extra fuel tanks increase in fuel costs. and negotiating the purchase of Air BP assets in Source: Matangi Tonga Kiribati. www.matangitonga.to/home/ KOIL CEO Mr Rutete said that the company will Mobil Win Palau Fuel Supply Contract now need to speed up the process of securing Mar 11 funds needed for the construction of two fuel The Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) tanks each with a capacity of a thousand tons or has awarded Mobil Oil Micronesia Inc. the 1 million litres. The schedule of fuel tanker is contract to supply fuel to the Malakal Power getting very tight with only one shipment of fresh Plant. Sirino Hideo, PPUC Business Manager fuel to Kiribati on a monthly basis. The total said that the contract covers a three-year period capacity at present in only 2-thousand tons, and which started Feb. 29. in order to avoid shortage in a month’s span, KOIL definitely need more tanks for extra Mobil would be supplying the Malakal Plant with storage. low sulphur automotive diesel oil (LSADO). Source: RMAT Issue 05 Bunker fuel the cheaper form of diesel oil was

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Government Approves Broad Framework for working towards having renewable energy Solar Expansion Program under EDF10 courses become part of the school curriculum. Renewable energy through solar home systems in Kiribati’s outlying rural islands will begin to At the same time, PIGGAREP will assist Nauru build a momentum against the backdrop of to extend its focus on renewable energy from soaring oil and fuel price in the world market. solar to include wind. There is currently an Aus Credit goes to our European partners for their AID-funded project in Nauru utilising both solar unrelenting commitment and dedication for a and wind for mobile phones and wireless Internet clean and greener world. signals.

The Kiribati government has approved a broad Solomone Fifita, the PIGGAREEP Project framework for the PIF Solar Rural Electrification Manager, spent time in Nauru looking at possible program under the European Development Fund renewable energy projects for the island, as well known as EDF10 and the KSEC (Kiribati Solar as to finalise the local institutional, financial and Energy Company) is ready to roll out the management arrangements for PIGGAREP. implementation phase of the program, once the necessary process is completed. Source: The EDF10 has a more complex component Solomone Fifita, PIGGAREP Project Manager which includes wate but the solar component is basically a matter of increasing access to solar home system in the outer islands, and at the COOK ISLANDS same time increasing use of solar energy to other appliances other than lighting.

Source: RMAT Issue 08 Utility Bills Skyrocket in Cook Islands - Aitutaki power rates up 18 percent April 17, 2008 Some Aitutaki residents are reeling at the latest power increases - tariffs have jumped by up to 18.5 percent or 12 cents per unit as of 1 April.

Aitutaki Power Supply (APS) manager Long Tuiravakai said some very angry people have complained to him. He has explained to them, this is a global issue and if APS does not recover fuel increment costs, in four months time APS cannot afford to pay its fuel bill from New Renewable Energy in Zealand. A condition of payment for fuel is four Nauru – Feb 15 days before the ship arrives in Aitutaki.” Pacific Islands Greenhouse Gas Abatement through One Aitutaki resident said they were mostly Renewable Energy concerned that the increase was so much all at Project (PIGGAREP) once. The domestic power tariff has risen from will be assisting Nauru 53 cents to 65 cents per unit while the with several renewable commercial rate has gone up 8 cents to 72 cents energy projects. for the first 1,000 units of electricity used and a small decrease has been made to the charge Working with a current thereafter to 56 cents a unit. Tuiravakai says the parallel project funded reason for the increase is the rising price of by the European diesel from New Zealand. Union, PIGGAREP will support this project by Source: Cook Islands News promoting public awareness on the grid-

connected solar power to the Nauru college. In addition, PIGGAREP will be promoting public awareness on renewable energy as well as

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REGIONAL NEWS

EU Supports Sustainable Management of REEEP Assists Major Pacific RE Initiative Energy Resources in the Pacific Region – REEEP is assisting the Pacific Islands Mar 13 Greenhouse Gas Abatement through Pacific ACP States power utilities will soon Renewable Energy Project (PIGGAREP) by benefit from a new project to build capacity in facilitating BushLight’s contribution to the energy resource management in the region. forthcoming Small Island States Capacity Building Workshop on Renewable Energy The European Union (EU) funded Capacity Technology Applications in Port Vila, Vanuatu, Support for Sustainable Management of 21-25 April 2008. BushLight will be sharing Energy Resources in the Pacific Region project their experiences in off-grid and grid connected will be implemented by the Pacific Power solar PV installations at this Pacific regional Association (PPA) over the next four years. workshop. Further information on Bushlight The EU funding has been made available under its Intra-ACP budget line. Source: REEEP SEAP April Newsletter

A signing ceremony held at the Pacific Islands UN To Open Agencies in Six Pacific Nations Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in Suva, committed The United Nations will establish its first offices €1.2 million in grants for the implementation of in the north Pacific to improve services in three the project. Head of Operations for the former United States territories. United Nations Delegation of the European Commission for Population Fund regional representative Najib the Pacific, Mr Robert De Raeve, and the PIFS Assifi said that his agency was establishing sub- Deputy Regional Authorising Officer for the regional offices in the Marshall Islands and the Pacific, Ms. Patricia Sachs-Cornish co-signed Federated States of Micronesia, possibly as the Financing Agreement. early as June. The UNFPA move, which responds to a request issued to the U.N. by Ms Sachs-Cornish said: “The overall objective leaders in several Pacific nations in 2005, is part of the project was to improve services and of a larger Pacific-wide effort to expand the enhance the efficient use of energy without U.N.’s presence in smaller islands. While power utilities in the Pacific experiencing power UNFPA is taking the lead in the Marshall Islands losses.” “An important dimension of the project and Micronesia, the office will represent all U.N. was its focus on renewable energy which will agencies in the region, Assifi said. UNICEF is ensure the provision of electrification in rural setting up similar sub-regional UN offices in areas to provide opportunities for people to Vanuatu and Kiribati, while the UNDP is doing participate in development and address the same in Tuvalu, Nauru and Palau. In addition poverty alleviation,” she said. a new five-year country program action plan for the Marshall Islands for 2008-2011 has been On behalf of the European Commission, Mr De signed, which will increase support to population Raeve highlighted the importance of the project and reproductive health programs from about in contributing towards the attainment of the $300,000 a year in previous years to $500,000 Millennium Development Goals by reducing annually. Source: Marianas Variety poverty through improved regional co-operation and targeted action for the poor in the energy gendercc women for climate justice is glad to sector. launch the new platform for information, He reaffirmed the EU’s close cooperation with knowledge and networking on gender and the Pacific Islands Forum saying: “It is through climate change: www.gendercc.net our shared vision of the Pacific, as defined in The web site is based on the knowledge the Pacific Plan and in the EU's strategy for the available through the gendercc network, and is a Pacific that we are working towards the key element of the envisaged International challenging goal of achieving sustainable Competence Centre Gender &Climate Change management of natural resources of the (CCGCC). Pacific. It is in this context that we are In particular, we want you to introduce yourself / committed to maintain a close cooperation with your organisation in the area Who is Who! the Pacific region in the areas of renewable Please send us information, contacts, etc to energy and energy efficiency.” Ulrike Roehr – [email protected] Source: Mr George Beck, Forum Secretariat,

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BIOFUEL

Coconut Oil Prices to Stay Bullish Coconut Matson to Hike Shipping Fees in Mar 12 Pacific - Mar 11 Coconut oil prices are set to stay high this year, Matson Navigation Co. has raised its fuel related pushing food makers to look at innovative ways surcharge by 2.25 percentage points due to the of reducing their costs. Yvonne Augustin, record increase in oil prices seeing. Matson's executive director of the United Coconut fuel surcharge increase from 31.5% to 33.75%. Associations of the Philippines, told This price hike will affect Hawaii, Guam, the FoodNavigator.com: "The vegetable oils market Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands right now is really bullish. Coconut oil has and FSM. spillover strength from this market." The new fuel prices will take effect on April 6. Coconut oil began increasing strongly last year, Matson competitor Horizon Lines has yet to reaching an average price of $800 per tonne in issue a statement whether it will also increase its November compared with just $536 at the same fuel surcharge. Horizon Lines last increased its time the prior year. The highest CIF price offered fuel surcharge on Feb. 4, 2008, by three for a nearby position on coconut oil recently percentage points to a record 32 percent. reached $1620 per tonne. Source: Pacific Islands Report The price was impacted by lower production last www.pidp.eastwestcentre.org/pireport/text.shtml year in the Philippines, the world's biggest coconut oil exporter, and increased use Chemist Warns of Biofuel 'Dead End' domestically for both cooking oil and biofuels. Mar 27, 2008 The Philippines government brought a new Biofuels may be a "technological dead end" with biofuels act into force last year requiring 2 per no practical future, one of Britain's leading cent of all diesel to be made with coconut-based chemists has said. Just one flight to New York biofuel within the next two years. would use up a year's yield of biofuel from land While Indonesian output, the second biggest equivalent to 30 football pitches, said Dr Richard exporter, was higher last year, global stocks Pike, chief executive of the Royal Society of remained low. Chemistry.

High prices are expected to increase production Pressure from farmers and manufacturers as this year but there is also rising demand from well as muddled planning by decision makers both the food industry and industrial users such could be leading the country up an energy as the surfactants sector and biofuels. supply blind alley, he added. Dr Pike urged restraint on the promotion of biofuel as the The Jakarta-based Asia Pacific Coconut simple answer to Britain's future fuel demands, Community (APCC) expects demand in the EU and called for "clear debate and sounder and USA to increase by 4 per cent in the first half legislation" to ensure future energy challenges of 2008 to reach 1.3 million tonnes. In the EU, were met the right way. demand from the food industry is rising faster than the industrial sector, at a rate of 4 per cent "Future historians may ultimately see the biofuels each year. of the early 21st century as a technological dead end," he said. "We have to bear in mind that the There is also high demand in China. APCC 80 tonnes of kerosene used for a one-way predicts the booming economy to import 13 per commercial flight to New York is equivalent to cent more than last year during the first six the annual biofuel yield from an area of months of 2008 to 74,000 tonnes, mostly for use approximately 30 football pitches. in food. "The way ahead has to include research into As a result, Romulo Arancon, executive director increasing biofuel yields dramatically and of the APCC, expects prices to remain investigating artificial photosynthesis for alcohol "unprecedently high for at least the next six production, but also placing higher priority on months or even a full year". He said export other, much more efficient land-based prices out of Rotterdam would likely be in the technologies." range of $1,100 to $1,300 CIF over the next Source:http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hw year. wiUVDzBZM0GHevZ13mLxx_VyYQ Source: http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com

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PETROLEUM

$100 bbl Oil Make its Entry tonnage in the Middle East and rising Fuel Oil Just a year ago the possibility of $100 per barrel prices. oil was a classic 'what-if' scenario. Today it is reality. The long-awaited and forecasted According to some oil experts and the OPEC, US$100/bbl price mark made its entry into the there are chances for weakening in oil prices in global oil markets in 2007. The Asia-Pacific the second quarter of 2008 as expectations for benchmark Tapis crude recorded the milestone better US economic outlook is foreseen. For on 7th November, and this also coincided with a now, oil prices are proving resilient of around surge in product prices, and extraordinarily high $90/barrel, on average, and may stay same in the first quarter of 2008. 2007 Mean of Platts Singapore Petroleum Product and Crude Oil Prices 120 75.47 115 72.33 110 69.18 As net fuel importer, the Pacific Island Countries 105 66.04 100 62.89 (PICs) tend to suffer from high oil and product 95 59.75 90 56.61 prices. The prices of petrol and diesel in many 85 53.46 80 50.32 pacific markets have risen to record highs, 75 47.17 US$/bbl 70 44.03 equaling above $2 per litre. In developed 65 40.88 US cents per litre 60 37.74 55 34.59 economies, high fuel prices would motivate 50 31.45 45 28.30 people towards greater use of public transport 40 25.16 35 22.01 resulting in less congestion on roads and 30 18.87 1-Jan 31-Jan 2-Mar 3-Apr 3-May 4-Jun 4-Jul 3-Aug 4-Sep 4-Oct 5-Nov 5-Dec moderate carbon emissions. For the majority of Mogas (Petrol) Kero ADO Tapis the Pacific however, public transport systems are refinery margins of around US$10-15/bbl for poor or non-existent. The main fear of fast rising kerosene and diesel. fuel prices is that it will stoke the inflation fire. Higher fuel price add to inflation directly by From January to August 2007, oil prices pushing up prices for goods and services such increased gradually at an average rate of around as air fares, bus fares, taxi fares, groceries and 4% per month. During this time, the global so forth. energy industry was tight with refineries struggling to meet demand for cleaner products Fuel Oil Prices Surge as Refiners and producers struggling to meet the demand for Concentrate in Getting Cleaner Fuel sweet crude. The prices picked up rapidly in Fuel oil for the first time in two years is rising September and maintained an increase of faster than gasoline, jet fuel and diesel resulting around 8% per month before crossing the in increased cost of ocean freight. This has been US$100/bbl mark in November. Such volatile due to reports that every new refinery wants to crude and product prices during this period has produce more gasoline and diesel and cut back been due to factors such as the bad weather in fuel oil. According to the chart shown below, the the USA, supply concerns in wake of depleting prices for fuel oil have tripled over the past few US stock reserves and a string of refinery months from lack of fuel oil in the global market. outages particularly in the US market, and As refiner’s concentrate in getting cleaner fuel, increasing geopolitical concerns in various the production level for fuel oil is decreasing regions such as Nigeria, Algeria and the Middle overtime, resulting in the ship owners paying East. The weakening of the US dollar that more and more to get fuel oil. The situation encouraged speculative buying in the futures worsened since October 2007 after OPEC, led market in the fear of future shortages further by Saudi Arabia, curbed production of oil that boosted the prices. yields relatively more fuel oil. On the other hand, the demand for the fuel used in marine engines In December, oil prices slightly cooled to result in and power plants are accelerating because the a modest decrease in product prices by around world shipping fleet is growing at a record pace. 1-3 % from the previous month. This decrease Refiners are also selling less fuel oil as it earns was due to factors such as weaker economic them lower profits than cleaner products such as growth in many higher oil consuming countries petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene. resulting in reduced oil demand during the month, and speculations of higher OPEC output. Such changes in fuel oil may curb its demand Oil tanker markets continued to gain with spot levels, particularly from power generators who freight rates for Singapore-Japan (30,000MT can turn to other sources of energy such as clean) assessments increasing sharply over the natural gas or coal. In cases where huge month from 190% to 296% due to lack of change-over costs are involved, companies may

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tend to adopt other cost minimizing strategies SOPAC Calls on the Public to Make Efficient such as hedging fuel oil prices. Energy Use an Everyday Practice Mar - 2008 2005-07 Heavy Fuel Oil Prices 570.00 SOPAC calls on the public to practice efficient 540.00 energy use everyday. SOPAC encourages the 510.00 480.00 public to seize the Earth Hour moment and use it 450.00 to cut down on unnecessary future costs. 420.00 390.00 360.00

US$/MT SOPAC has joined Earth Hour, the climate 330.00 300.00 change initiative, led by the World Wildlife Fund 270.00 which asks people to turn off their lights for one 240.00 210.00 hour at 8pm tomorrow (March 29) * source Platt's OilGram Price Report 180.00

Jul-05 Jul-06 Jul-07 Energy efficiency and conservation emerged as Oct-05 Oct-06 Oct-07 Apr-06 Apr-07 Jan-06 Jan-07 Feb-06 Jun-06 Feb-07 Jun-07 Mar-06 Mar-07 Sep-05 Dec-05 Sep-06 Dec-06 Sep-07 Dec-07 Nov-05 Nov-06 Nov-07 Aug-05 Aug-06 Aug-07 May-06 May-07 an important issue in the Pacific region due to FO 180cst 2% HSFO 180cst HSFO 380cst the continuing increase in the world market oil In certain developed and developing countries, prices which affect increases in electricity tariffs, the costs of increased fuel oil are quite easily transportation costs, prices of consumer goods passed onto customers in the form of fuel and services. surcharges. In other cases the utilities are squeezed to take the extra burden. The Pacific Additionally, the increasing preference to use region face similar outcry over price hikes since more electrical appliances in most homes is majority of the Ocean cargo shipping companies running parallel to energy demand and and power utilities in the region are solely consumption. SOPAC Energy Adviser, Rupeni dependent on fuel oil and are faced with the says by reducing energy use at home and dilemma of how much to absorb and how much subsequently in everyday energy use means a to pass on to the consumers. lot of saving.

Article by: “Avoiding unnecessary use of energy by Nileshwan Prasad, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Suva, Fiji reducing usage time, turning off non-essential lights and other electrical appliances can reduce spending on electricity and fuel,” says Mario.

Reducing energy consumption in the Pacific particularly electricity will have a direct bearing on the need to reduce imported petroleum products which will directly translate into valuable foreign exchange savings.

He says it now easier for people to save energy as energy efficient appliances, such as refrigerators and lights are now readily available in Fiji. Petroleum pipelines upgraded - Samoa “Spending more money in buying and installing compact fluorescent lamps to replace incandescent bulbs will significantly reduce electricity bills at homes.”

“It is as simple as opting to use fans at home to minimise the use of air-conditioning. The more you use the electric appliances such as air conditioning the more energy we consume which in turn means more harmful effects to our environment.”

More information visit: www.sopac.org

A service/ gas station - Samoa

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INTERNATIONAL

Japan to offer US$10 Billion in Global In the largest towns on Samsoe, homes and Warming Aid to Developing Countries – businesses draw heat and January 12. hot water from renewably According to the World Bank, Japan is planning fuelled district heating to pledge $10 billion in aid to developing systems. On the northern countries over the next five years to help them end of the island, between combat the effects of global warming. the villages of Nordby and Maarup, an impressive Under the program, Japan will help aid recipients system of 2500 m2 of solar reduce greenhouse gas emissions, work to panels heats water that in prevent natural disasters linked to global turns warms the villages’ homes. A woodchip warming and shift to use more renewable energy burner that uses waste wood from Samsoe’s sources such as solar power rather than oil and Brattingsborg Forest backs up the solar heating other fossil fuels. system. On the southern side of the island, the towns of Tranebjerg, Onsbjerg, Brundby and The aid package is expected come in the form of Ballen are heated by district heating plants. grants or low-interest loans and to cover more Altogether, these efforts have replaced more than 40 countries from Asia, Africa and Latin than 70 percent of heat generation on Samsoe America. with renewable technologies.

Source: World Bank Press Review For more information: http://ec.europa.eu/energy

Samsoe: Europe’s Renewable Energy Island Australia’s 20% Clean Energy Commitment The hairdryer is blowing, the freezer is humming Applauded at Global Summit and the temperature is comfortable in a house Australian clean energy investors received on Samsoe. But forget about using coal or oil. another much-needed boost from the Federal On this small Danish island at the heartland of Government’s public pledge to provide 20 per Denmark, the electricity comes from wind cent of Australia’s electricity from renewable turbines and the heat from a district heating energy sources by 2020 at the 3rd International system powered by a field of solar panels. Renewable Energy Conference being held in Washington DC (WIREC 2008). Samsoe was named Denmark’s The pledge sets forth the Rudd Government’s renewable energy election policy announcement and puts island in 1997, based Australian climate change policy alongside the on the island’s European Union, China, California and other ambitious goals, nations at the forefront of action. Samsoe’s electricity sector has already reached its objectives in “This pledge, together with the COAG Working becoming energy independent by 2008. Group’s announcement sends a strong signal to Australia’s growing clean energy investment The island’s network of 11 wind turbines sector: Australia remains fully committed to generates enough electricity to meet its entire fighting climate change with effective national electricity requirements. On wind-still days, when policies,” said Clean Energy Council CEO, the turbines cannot generate enough electricity Dominique La Fontaine. to power the island, energy flows from Denmark’s main energy grid to the island’s The commitment was made as part of an official network. In turn, on windy days the island Australian side event hosted by The Asia-Pacific exports wind-generated energy to the national Partnership (APP) Renewable Energy & main system. The island has a positive annual Distributed Generation Task Force (REDGTF). net electricity balance, as it exports far more This pledge will sit alongside official climate energy to the mainland than it receives. These change pledges from other participating massive turbines more than balance the fuel countries including the USA. burned by all the vehicles on the island, including the three ferries that connect the island to the The consolidation of state schemes into a single country’s mainland. target, and expansion of the national renewable energy target will begin by 2009. The target

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Clean Energy Technologies in the Pacific guarantees production of 45,000 gigawatt hours of clean, zero-emission energy from sources like wind, solar, bioenergy and geothermal – enough to power 6.25 million households or avoid 60 million tonnes of CO2 gas from coal-fired electricity.

The Clean Energy Council is working with industry and regulators to deliver a suite of sustainable energy policies that will effectively cut greenhouse gas emissions at least cost to the economy. These policies form the Council’s five point plan.

Source: National Clean Energy: It's Getting Affordable Solar cooking demonstration in Kiribati

For the past decade, solar and wind have been averaging annual growth rates in excess of 30%. Despite record-high oil prices, rising home foreclosures, and consumer uncertainty, revenue generated by four clean-energy markets—solar, wind, biofuels, and fuel cells—grew by 40% to $77.3 billion in 2007, from $55 billion in 2006.

The cost for solar and wind have both dropped significantly over the past 30 years, bringing the cost of both sources within striking distance of, and in some cases lower than that of conventional energy sources. Consider the costs of geothermal, wind, and solar power compared with nuclear power, often lauded as one of the A wind monitoring mast in Tuvalu. cheapest sources of energy.

The average up-front capital cost for a new 1- gigawatt nuclear plant, is $2 billion to $6 billion. The cost of 1 gigawatt of geothermal and wind power is less than $2 billion; the same amount of solar power cost $5 billion to $10 billion.

Coal, nuclear, natural gas, and geothermal plants are able to provide base-load power—that is, nearly continuous power—solar and wind are intermittent resources. To compete with conventional sources, solar and wind have to be Solar Energy use in Hapa’i, Tonga. paired with base-load power sources, or require the implementation of energy storage and so- called smart-grid capabilities such as devices that help users and utilities better conserve energy and reduce consumption during peak demand.

U.S. wind installations grew 45% last year setting the U.S. on pace to surpass Germany as the world's largest wind market by the end of next year. The largest U.S.-based wind turbine manufacturer, generated $4.5 billion in sales in its wind division in 2007. Solar Energy use in the Solomon Islands. Source: Reader Discussion or www.cleanedge.com.

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CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM (CDM)

One of the decisions of the COP13 ( 13th Conference of the Parties) and CMP.3 (Third Note: Two registered projects from the Pacific Conference and Meeting of the Parties to the CDM Project with CERs Issued Kyoto Protocol) held in Bali, Indonesia, Proje Issued Issuance December 2007, was the further guidance Project type cts kCERs success relating to the clean development mechanism. Afforestation Agriculture 37 3031 45% Below is a list of some extract from CMP 3 on Biogas 5 298 83% the CDM which are more related to the Pacific Biomass energy 83 8424 89% region: Cement 5 781 80%

CO2 Capture •Recognising the rapidly expanding portfolio of Coal bed/mine the clean development mechanism project methane 1 76 29% activities and the increasing volume of work for Energy the Executive Board of the clean development Distribution mechanism; EE households •Welcoming the establishment of the 128 EE industry 12 434 83% designated national authorities, 102 among them EE own in developing countries Parties; generation 16 7327 98% •Reminding parties wishing to participate in EE service 1 2 63% clean development mechanism project activities EE supply side 2 30 83% of the need to identify a designated national Fossil Fuel switch 11 1220 86% authority; Fugitive 2 5039 111% •Reiterating the importance of ensuring the Geothermal 2 125 33% efficient, cost-effective and transparent HFCs 14 64896 101% functioning of the clean development mechanism Hydro 51 3775 90% and the executive and supervisory role of its Landfill gas 14 3156 39% Executive Board; and N2O 4 25033 124% •Reaffirming that it is the host Party’s prerogative PFCs to confirm whether a clean development Hydro mechanism project activity assist it in achieving Landfill gas sustainable development. N2O Transport 1 59 51% Full information on COP13 & CMP3 Decisions Wind 45 2919 75% Visit Website: www.unfccc.int Total 306 126627 95.0% region, the Vaturu and Wainikasou Hydro CDM news: Projects in Fiji and the Lihir Geothermal Power 115 new projects were added to the Project in Papua New Guinea have received CDMPipeline in February 2008, plus 9 projects CERs of 18tCER and 52tCER for Fiji & PNG where Project Development Documents ( PDDs) respectively. were resubmitted. It looks like the number of new CDM projects being added to the Pipeline Source: "UNEP Risoe CDM/JI Pipeline Analysis and each month has stabilized around 120. Database, March 1st 2008". The CDM Pipeline now contains 3082 CDM. 948 CDM Rulebook Website Live of the projects are now registered and a further Baker & McKenzie launched the CDM 146 are in the registration process. Rulebook website. This comprehensive online database outlines the rules surrounding the The amount of CERs issued is 127 Million CERs. CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) under The average issuance success has again the Kyoto Protocol. The CDM Rulebook is a increased a bit to 95.0%. publicly accessible and free online database to categorise, extract and explain the CDM rules Table 1 below analyses the amount of kCERs in a logically-sequenced and user-friendly issued from each project activity. (kCERs = 1000 format, available to assist market players and CER) stakeholders. Visit CDM Rulebook

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ENERGY TECHONOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS

Energy Efficient Lighting conversion requires no electrical work to be With electricity generation in the Pacific being performed and is completed in about 30 primarily based on fossil fuels, the ever seconds. There have been approximately 10,000 increasing cost of oil has placed an enormous of the EcoLight T5 series lamps installed in burden on the economies of our region. Two Hospitals and Polytechs in New Zealand over new products, the “EcoLight” energy efficient the past 12 months, with impressive energy fluorescent tube lamp and the “Eluma” energy savings being achieved. saving alternative to Mercury vapour and Metal Benefits of EcoLight T5 Series Fluorescent Halide High Bay lighting, have recently been lamps: released to help improve the efficiency of • Immediate energy saving of 35%; electricity usage for lighting. • Fast and easy installation. (No wiring work required); The EcoLight range of fluorescent lamps, is • Significant heat reduction from the designed to quickly and easily convert the installation; conventional T8 Fluorescent light fitting with • High Frequency electronics (up to magnetic ballast, into an energy efficient 35,000hz) eliminates headache causing electronic ballast unit. There are two versions of flicker; the EcoLight, with the installation of both being • Improved Power factor; as simple and easy as removing and replacing a • Standard T5 tubes of any brand can be fluorescent tube. used when tube replacement is required.

EcoLight T8 Series kit: This The Eluma is a new and product consists of three parts, unique intelligent lighting a T8 Ecotube which is slightly product which won both the shorter than a conventional T8 UK Construction news “Green tube, an EcoLight adaptor Innovation in Construction”, which fits on one end of the Ecotube to convert and the United Kingdom the lamp to high frequency electronic technology, Warehouse Associations “Technology and and an Eco-Starter. The conversion requires no Innovation of the year” awards for 2007. electrical work to be performed and is completed in about 30 seconds. There have been several The patented optical reflector design ensures thousand of the EcoLight T8 series optimum light distribution for heights greater than lamps installed in Schools and Hospitals in Fiji 4 meters and up to 16 meters and offers an over the past 18 months, with excellent results. immediate energy savings of around 50% over The following highlights some benefits of conventional Metal Halide units. Units fitted with EcoLight T8 Series Fluorescent lamps: the optional inbuilt daylight and movement • Immediate energy saving of 33%; sensors can easily extend energy savings to • Fast and easy installation. (No wiring more than 70% work required); • Significant heat reduction from the For more information: installation; [email protected] • High Frequency electronics eliminates Renewable Devices Swift Turbines are the headache causing flicker; producers of the world's first silent, building- • Improved Power factor. mountable wind turbine – Jan 28.

EcoLight T5 Series: This The Swift Rooftop Wind Energy System™ is the product consists of an world’s first specifically EcoLight aluminium housing designed rooftop wind with inbuilt electronics and turbine with unique, reflector, and an EcoLight T5 patented technologies for Fluorescent tube. The T5 EcoLight kit converts a unprecedented safe, standard fluorescent fitting to the latest electronic efficient and near silent control and T5 Fluorescent lamp technology, operation. With without the high capital cost of replacing the installations worldwide, this existing light fittings with new T5 fittings. The design icon has been quietly generating clean energy for home owners, community groups, industrial and commercial customers, for over 4 years. When correctly sited, the SWIFT Rooftop

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Wind Energy System™ drastically cuts carbon viability and risk for various types of energy emissions, reduces electricity bills and generally efficient and renewable energy technologies makes the world a more beautiful place!! (RETs). The software also includes product, cost and climate databases, and a detailed Environmentally Sound online user manual. The SWIFT™ generates electricity where it's >> Download the software here needed and used and so avoids the losses involved in transmitting electricity across the Source: REEEP SEAP April Newsletter national grid. Visit REEGLE – the Information Gateway for In addition renewable devices have signed a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency partnership with aiAutomotive www.reegle.info is a one-stop-shop for high (aiA) and Insurance Australia quality up-to-date information on clean energy Group (IAG) to set up a new policy, with a core objective of supporting the venture, Micro Wind Turbines global advancement of energy efficiency and Australia Pty Ltd (MWTA). The renewables. The website facilitates fast access partners will work together over to constantly updated information for politicians, the coming months to develop a project developers, companies, municipalities, license to distribute the SWIFT™ banks, credit institutes and for all those Rooftop Wind Energy System interested in this issue. throughout Australia. www.reegle.info uses state of the art technology and derives its content from evaluated and pre- By CEDRL RETScreen® International) selected databases and includes an actors catalogue – a directory of organisations in renewable and efficiency energy. Finding Energy All Around Us

- Mar. 06, Source: REEEP SEAP April Newsletter

A team of Canadian Renewable Energy Jobs Soar in Germany and American [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] scientists has made a device that Renewable energy jobs in Germany shot up to harvests the energy 249,300 in 2007, almost double the 160,500 contained in a green jobs in Germany in 2004. person's stride. According to revised government figures, as Using the same many as 400,000 people could be employed in principles that allow hybrid cars to recycle the renewable energy industry in Germany by energy created in braking, braces worn on both 2020. This is 100,000 more jobs than a previous knees can generate 5 watts of electricity by study had predicted due to the boost that the harvesting the energy inherent in a walker's country's economy and exports received as a stride. That may not sound like much, but it's result of massive investment in the renewable enough to charge 10 cell phones. sector. Source: http://www.time.com "The systematic expansion of renewable energy New Clean Energy Project Analysis Tool is not only good from the environmental and Launched climate policy point of view but also for New RETScreen International Clean Energy innovation, growth and employment in Germany" Project Analysis Software is a unique decision Sigmar Gabriel, the German Minister for support tool that has been developed to build Environment said. the capacity of planners, decision-makers and Full story: visit industry to provide basic financial viability http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/stor information for implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The free- y?id=52089 of-charge software can be used worldwide to evaluate the energy production and savings, life-cycle costs, emission reductions, financial

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the Fiji Department of Energy for eight years ANNOUCEMENTS responsible for the development of the national energy sector and the implementation of Regional Earth Day 22nd April 2008 – renewable based (hydro, solar, biomass, wind) The consequence: 1 degree is all it takes technologies. She is familiar with gender mainstreaming into energy development This year is the 38th World Earth Day activities. Ms Arieta has a Bachelor of celebration where the theme is “A call for Technology (Electrical/Electronics Engineering) Climate”, and it is now only a few weeks away to from USP, Fiji and a Master of Science the actual day, April 22nd 2008. (Renewable Energy) from Murdoch University, Australia. Arieta will start in her position at st For the past seven years SOPAC has organised SOPAC on 1 May, 2008. activities to celebrate World Earth Day through a variety of in-country and regional activities. BON VOYAGE

Our regional theme for 2008 is “Energy PEN would like to Efficiency is it takes – A call for Energy Security”. acknowledge the hard and All over the globe, people will get together in dedicated work of Mr Jan their national and community groups to draw Cloin, Energy Adviser to attention for the environment. In the pacific SOPAC and its member region we focus our activities mainly to the countries over the last four promotion and drawing of attentions to energy years. Mr Cloin has solutions contributing to sustainable contributed in numerous development and building political will for ways to the Pacific region during his contract at national action on energy efficiency and SOPAC. renewable energy. Jan will be leaving SOPAC at the end of April, For 2008, SOPAC is developing a Regional 2008 and will return to his home country, Earth day Webpage which is to include the Netherlands where he will continue the good following Features: work on Renewable Energy, as a Senior Policy • Column for member countries to post Adviser – Renewable Energy at the Ministry of their activities into the Webpage. Foreign Affairs. SOPAC staff wished Jan and • Carbon FootPrinting. his family a prosperous future and hope that • Launch the third edition of the “Home some days they will be back in the Pacific region. Energy Guide for the Pacific – Energy Efficiency & Conservation for the PEN would also like to Domestic Household”. acknowledge and give a big • Include all information of regional Earth “vinaka vakalevu” to Mr Anare day including past activities and energy Matakiviti for his time he has materials that could be easily accessed. dedicated to SOPAC and the Pacific member countries. Anare More details about Earth Day, 2008 can be started work at SOPAC in 2000 as Energy found at SOPAC website: www.sopac.org Adviser and later moved onto the PIEPSAP as Project Adviser until end of April 2008.

His contribution to SOPAC member countries is STAFF UPDATES tremendous but in particular with the PIEPSAP, he has assisted most countries in development

of energy policies, one of the barriers to the NEW STAFF increase uptake of Renewable Energy in the region. SOPAC would like to welcome a new member to its Energy Anare will continue with energy work at the IUCN Section, Ms Arieta Gonelevu. as a Project Co-ordinator. SOPAC wishes Anare Ms Gonelevu was appointed as all the best into his future endeavours. a Senior Project Officer - Energy. Arieta has worked for

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