20 October 2015

Nauru Gets Additional Funds to Help Deliver Safe, Reliable Power

YAREN, NAURU – The Government of Australia has provided additional financing of $4.74 million for an ongoing project designed to improve the efficiency, safety and capacity of the electricity supply in Nauru. 

“The power supply in Nauru is very unreliable and the Nauru Utilities Corporation (NUC) has limited capacity to serve electricity demand,” said Andrea Iffland, Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office in Australia.  “Through this project we are committed to boosting the electricity supply and helping deliver it to the people of Nauru at an affordable price.” 

Australia’s High Commissioner to Nauru, Martin Quinn said: “Australia is very pleased to support the strategic plans of the Nauru Utilities Corporation to build the capacity of the Corporation and its staff, and to provide safe and reliable electricity to the people and businesses of Nauru.” “I would like to congratulate the NUC Board and CEO, Abraham Simpson, for the improvements in power and water supply that have been achieved in the last couple of years.”

The Nauru Electricity Supply Security and Sustainability Project project, first approved in 2014 and funded by ADB and the European Union, involves the installation of a new, efficient medium-speed 2.6–3.0 megawatt (MW) diesel generator and repairs to the powerhouse roof.
 
The additional financing from Australia will cover the installation of a second, much needed, medium-speed 2.6–3.0 MW diesel generator and 11kV switchgear for reliable power generation and distribution.

While the majority of Nauru’s population of 10,000 people have access to the electricity grid, the supply of electricity is unreliable and the cost of power generation is high due to the poor condition and inefficiency of the utility’s generators. Nauru’s dilapidated power station roof poses safety concerns and jeopardizes electricity supply.

Nauru’s economy will benefit from improved service reliability and efficiency of operations at NUC - Nauru's only power utility.
 
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2014, ADB assistance totaled $22.9 billion, including co-financing of $9.2 billion.

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