Thousands of families in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) are set to benefit from a new project aimed at providing more reliable electricity. The initiative, backed by the World Bank, involves a $42 million investment under the Access and Renewable Increase for Sustainable Energy (ARISE) Project. This project aims to enhance electricity access for over 3,500 residents on remote outer islands and improve existing power supply reliability while increasing renewable energy use across FSM's four states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap.
Currently, FSM has some of the lowest electricity access rates in the Pacific region. Chuuk State is particularly affected, with two-thirds of households lacking power. The ARISE Project will address this issue by funding solar-powered mini grids and stand-alone solar home systems on four unelectrified islands in Chuuk—Moch, Onoun, Tol-Wonip, and Uman—providing clean energy to homes as well as community facilities such as schools and health clinics.
"This project is a critical step toward achieving our national energy goals and delivering real benefits to our communities," stated Elina Akinaga, Secretary of the FSM Department of Resources and Development. "We are proud to be working with the World Bank to bring sustainable, resilient, and affordable energy to more of our people."
The main islands face challenges with aging infrastructure that is vulnerable to typhoons and storms. Even those with electricity experience frequent outages. The ARISE Project plans to enhance grid resilience in Pohnpei, Yap, and Kosrae by replacing vulnerable infrastructure and upgrading systems. In Yap specifically, underground feeders will be installed to ensure continued power supply during severe weather events.
"For communities without electricity, access means light for students to study at night," said Omar Lyasse, World Bank Resident Representative in FSM. "This project is about ensuring people in remote parts of FSM can access the services...that modern...energy provides."
The initiative also supports FSM's goal of increasing renewable energy usage while reducing reliance on imported diesel fuel which currently accounts for over 85% of its electricity generation. New grid-connected solar generation and battery storage systems in Chuuk and Pohnpei will contribute towards meeting FSM’s target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
Additionally focusing on workforce development within FSM’s energy sector—including women—the project offers training programs for local technicians alongside efforts helping utilities design long-term maintenance funds ensuring system longevity.
Partly funded through a broader $2.5 billion Accelerating Sustainable Energy Transition Program led by the World Bank across East Asia-Pacific regions aiming towards low-carbon transitions combating climate change globally; over ten years it targets significant reductions greenhouse gas emissions adding substantial renewable capacity worldwide whilst improving millions' clean electricities' accessibility.
The ARISE Project implementation spans six years overseen primarily via collaboration between national departments alongside various state-level partners supporting its objectives throughout execution phases ahead effectively benefiting thousands living within impacted areas ultimately enhancing overall quality life prospects sustainably moving forward into future generations alike benefiting accordingly thereafter too thereafter soon enough already ongoing today onwards eventually reaching fruition sometime sooner than later altogether then hopefully so...