Renewable energy represents a small but growing power system contribution, although American Samoa relies almost entirely on imported fossil fuels. The territory possesses substantial solar
American Samoa is less than 1,000 miles south of the equator and has abundant solar energy resources. 63,64 In 2021, solar power accounted for about 11% of American Samoa''s electricity generating capacity and about 3% of its electricity generation. 65,66 In 2016, ASPA completed conversion from diesel-powered to solar photovoltaic (PV
Ta''u, a small island in American Samoa, now gathers enough solar energy for 24/7 power, thanks to a microgrid project completed in November with solar provider SolarCity and Tesla. The system, operated by American Samoa Power Authority, comprises 5,000 SolarCity solar panels and 60 Tesla Powerpack battery-storage systems.
This factsheet provides a high-level overview of American Samoa''s power and transportation sectors - as well as territorial policies, challenges, and opportunities related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resilience.
In the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies Tau Island, an idyllic retreat in American Samoa that has undergone a monumental transformation in pursuit of sustainability. Recently, Tau Island made headlines with the inauguration of a
American Samoa''s energy sector relies almost entirely on imported fossil fuels, although renewables represent a small but growing power system contribution. The territory possesses substantial solar energy resources, as well as wind and biomass resource potential. Planned
The island of Ta''u in American Samoa once relied on diesel fuel to supply electricity. Residents experienced consistent power rationing and outages, and key services like hospitals and schools hinged on infrequent fuel imports.[1]
The island of Ta''u in American Samoa, located more than 4,000 miles from the West Coast of the United States, now hosts a solar power and battery storage-enabled microgrid that can supply nearly 100 percent of the island''s power needs from renewable energy.
Renewable Energy Projects American Samoa''s largest renewable energy facility is a 1.75-MW ground-mounted PV grid-connected system that is expected to replace over 175,000 gallons of ASPA diesel fuel consumption. In addition, American Samoa possesses more than 700-kW of roof-mounted PV on government and private
Renewable energy represents a small but growing power system contribution, although American Samoa relies almost entirely on imported fossil fuels. The territory possesses substantial solar resources and wind and biomass resource potential.
Ta''u, a small island in American Samoa, now gathers enough solar energy for 24/7 power, thanks to a microgrid project completed in November with solar provider SolarCity and Tesla. The system, operated by American Samoa
The island of Ta''u in American Samoa once relied on diesel fuel to supply electricity. Residents experienced consistent power rationing and outages, and key services like hospitals and schools hinged on infrequent fuel
In the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies Tau Island, an idyllic retreat in American Samoa that has undergone a monumental transformation in pursuit of sustainability. Recently, Tau Island made headlines with the inauguration of a groundbreaking solar microgrid from Tesla''s SolarCity — a project that has propelled the island towards 100% solar
American Samoa’s energy sector relies almost entirely on imported fossil fuels, although renewables represent a small but growing power system contribution. The territory possesses substantial solar energy resources, as well as wind and biomass resource potential.
Of the 5 MW of ASPA’s grid-connected solar PV capacity, 4.1 MW is utility scale and 900 kW is distributed across rooftops. American Samoa’s smaller islands are moving toward a combination of solar, batteries, and diesel generators.
In 2016, the American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee set a goal to meet 50% of American Samoa's energy from renewable energy resources by 2025 and 100% by 2040, primarily with solar energy. In 2021, per capita electricity consumption in American Samoa was about 70% less than the U.S. average.
The 2016 American Samoa Energy Action Plan identifies some geothermal resources, but none of these are viable for commercial electricity generation. The 2016 plan instead emphasizes the development of wind and solar power (Ness, Haase, and Conrad 2016). American Samoa is exploring opportunities for both offshore and onshore wind power generation.
Average U.S. and American Samoa Electricity Prices (2022) ASPA rates are down slightly as of January 2024—approximately $0.41/kWh for residential and commercial customers and $0.38/kWh for industrial customers. ASPA’s total energy rates include a renewable energy flat rate charged at $0.002/kWh across all service types (ASPA 2024).
Fuel for American Samoa comes from Singapore with Busan, South Korea as an alternate provider if needed. In the case of fuel disruption, Pacific Energy prioritizes serving ASPA to ensure power and water treatment services are not interrupted (Pacific Energy representative, personal communication, August 9, 2023).
We are deeply committed to excellence in all our endeavors.
Since we maintain control over our products, our customers can be assured of nothing but the best quality at all times.