The Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) proudly announces the official opening of Samoa’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) Solar Charging Station on June 21, 2024 at the Friendship Park, Matagialalua. This groundbreaking facility marks a significant step towards sustainable transportation and environmental stewardship in Samoa.
The MNRE Electric Vehicle Solar Charging Station is a pioneering project designed to support the growing fleet of electric vehicles within the government and eventually, the public. The charging station will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy usage across Samoa. The project aligns with Samoa’s commitment to achieving 26% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as outlined in the country’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution 2nd NDC).
Technical Specifications:
• Total Cost: USD$240,000.00
• Charging Units: Two Victron Charging Stations with a capacity of 22kW each
• Power Supply:
o Solar Panels (20kW capacity)
o Storage Battery (40kW capacity)
• Smart Management:
o Victron Cerbo GX Controller
o Smart Meter/4G Modem for remote monitoring and data analysis.
The innovative design ensures that the EV’s are primarily charged using solar energy with battery storage as a backup and grid electricity as a last resort. This setup guarantees continuous and sustainable operation even during periods of low solar availability.
Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Salesa Pose Schuster, Minister for MNRE emphasized on the project’s importance, “This initiative is not only a leap towards modernizing our transportation infrastructure but also a testament to our commitment to combating climate change. By reducing our carbon footprint and embracing renewable energy, we are paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future for Samoa”.
The Minister also highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project, thanking international partners as the Glonal Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Enviroearth and local engineering firms Vagana Electrical Engineering Solutions and Rasmussen Engineering Ltd for their expertise and dedication.