Theme:
“Biomass Resources for Clean Energy Production”
DATES: 12th – 13th November 2020
NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY
DAY 2020
Samoa is at the forefront of climate change and sea level rise. Our Islands and communities are susceptible
to extreme weather events and coastal erosion. The frequency of tropical cyclones and temperature increase
has affected Samoa economically, socially and environmentally. The Government and international
organizations continue to invest in adaptation programs and projects for communities and vulnerable groups
to strengthen their resilience to reduce risk from these natural processes.
Thus, adaptation measures have been implemented with the integration of on-going efforts from global
organizations, local government and vulnerable communities/groups through re-forestation, seawalls,
relocation, strengthened awareness etc. These approaches and measures are now coupled with Samoa taking
into account the global efforts to minimize greenhouse gas emissions mostly from its transport and
electricity sectors. This focus on mitigation initiatives derives the significance of carbon sequestration and
transitioning of energy generation from locally available Renewable Energy sources.
The National Renewable Energy Day is an annual event that celebrates and emphasizes the importance of
sourcing clean and sustainable energy to generate electricity, gas for cooking and clean fuels for
transportation. This year’s national theme is: “Biomass Resources for Clean Energy Production”,
reflects and emphasizes the importance of integration of renewable energy projects and communities’
commitment to Samoa’s energy transition from a fossil fueled economy into a green economy.
For this year’s program and due to COVID-19 Restrictions, we have limited our program to avoid public
gatherings; and had focused on administering a Triathlon Race which allows us to promote Sustainable
Alternatives to transportation. Followed by the official launching of the Afolau 750kW Biomass
Gasification Plant.
Triathlon Race 2020
The Ministry has selected a total of eight (8) Ministries and Corporations to participate in the Triathlon
Race 2020. The Triathlon will is comprised of: Running, Cycling and Wheelbarrow. The aim of this activity
is to raise awareness of the importance of traditional mobility and sustainable transportation methods in
reducing GHG emissions. To remind the participants and all of Samoa that traditional transportation is fun,
it is a good form of exercise and free of cost rather than relying on vehicles that is costly with the fluctuation
of petrol prices. The route for the race will start from/and finish at Malaefatu Park. Refer to the attached
map. Prizes will be awarded to the all teams.
BACKGROUND
Afolau 750kW Biomass Gasification Plant
At last, Afolau Biomass Gasification will be the first Plant in Samoa with the aim to produce electricity to
help contribute to power for the people of Samoa. This Plant was put together by an Indian company
together with the help of our local companies for less than 5 years and it is powered by the IMPRESS
Project made possible with the help of its relevant donors and sponsors such as GEF and UNDP. The
commemoration of this project will be on the 13th November 2020. This official opening will allow all
stakeholders, representatives from each integrated Ministries, SOEs and Organizations to visit the site and
be part of this big day.
The Ministry will not be able to conduct such event without the support of our partners in the Energy Sector;
Ministry of Finance
Scientific Research Organization of Samoa
Electric Power Cooperation
Samoa Trust Estate Corporation
Land Transport Authority
Ministry of Customs and Revenue
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labor
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Attorney General’s Office
Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure
Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development
Samoa Trust Estate
The details on the Day’s events and program are as follows.
NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY DAY 2020
OFFICIAL PROGRAM
Day 2 – Friday 13th November 2020, at STEC, Mulifanua
Official Launching of Afolau Biomass Gasification Plant – Official Color – Yellow
Day 1 – Thursday 12th November 2020, at Malaefatu Park, Sogi
Official Color – GREEN (Pre – Activity –Triathlon Race)
8.30 am – 9.00am Guests arrive and seated ( 2 meters – social distance)
9. 00am – 9.15am Welcoming –Asuao Malaki Iakopo- Acting – CEO
MNRE
9.15am – 9.30am Prayer – Rev Talalelei Tuafafo – EFKS Mulinuu
9.30am – 10.00a.m Official Keynote – Afioga Lemalu Lemi Taefu
Associated Minister of MNRE
10.00am – 10.15am Official Photograph + Morning Tea
10.15am – 10.30am Rules and Regulations for the Triathlon Race
10.30am – 12.00pm Triathlon Competition
12.00pm – 12.30 pm Prize Giving + Refreshments & Farewell
_________________________________________
10.00 am – 10.30am Guests arrive and seated ( 2 meters – social distance)
10.30am – 10.45am Welcoming – Patea Loli Malo Setefano – CEO – STEC
10.45am – 11.00am Prayer – Rev Simona Perofoti – EFKS Etena Fou
11.00am – 11.30a.m Official Keynote – Hon.Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi – Prime
Minister
11.30am – 11.45am
11.45pm – 12.00pm
Donor Remarks – Jorn Sorensen – UNDP Resident
Representative
Official Handover of EU GIZ Equipments – Pre-Recorded
Remarks – Mr Sujiro Seam – EU Ambassador
12.00pm – 12.15pm Ribbon Cutting + Official Starting Command of the System
– Hon. Sala Fata Lisati Pinati – Minister of STEC
Official Aerial Group Photo
12.15pm – 1.00pm Biomass Gasification Plant Tour
1.00pm Serve refreshments and Farewell