Samoa Power Storage

Local media reports say Tesla crews were in Samoa working on a routine maintenance visit but are now helping EPC with the maintenance of all EPC's batteries, which store 6 MW of power sourced from a network of solar farms owned by independent power providers (IPPs) and include the Tanugamanono, Fiaga, Tuanaimato, Salelologa and Faleolo solar farms.

Tesla specialists are on the ground assisting Samoa's electric power corporation engineers to ensure its battery energy storage systems are operating to support Samoa's energy needs during the current power crisis. Image: Electric Power Corporation, Samoa

Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region. ADB has signed a transaction advisory services agreement with Samoa's Electric Power Corporation (EPC) to support the development of a solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems with installations planned for the country's two largest islands, Upolu and Savai'i.

The mandate also includes addressing critical environmental, social, and gender considerations to ensure the project's sustainability and inclusiveness. Samoa currently relies on imported fossil fuels for approximately 69% of its electricity generation, leaving the country vulnerable to volatile oil prices.

The crisis has led to up to 16 hours of daily power interruptions across Upolu requiring extensive power rationing coordinated by the Electric Power Corporation (EPC). Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said the economic impact of the crisis is estimated to cost up to 16% of Samoa's GDP.

Problems began on February 23 when the country's main high voltage (HV) underground cable failed between the Fiaga and Fuluasou power stations causing a blackout on the island of Upolu, the second largest in the Samoan islands area, impacting 200,000 people. This event was followed by a second failure on February 25.