The American Samoa island group of Manu'a is on track to be one of the world's first fossil fuel-free islands, according to an official from a solar energy company.
Pacific Solar Innovations incorporated has been awarded the contract for a renewable energy project on Ofu, and a company official, John Miller, says it's hoping to harness energy from the sun, wind and waves.
He says the aim is to eliminate the need to ship fuel to Manu'a.
"Once you really look at the chain of what it takes to get a drop of oil from the Middle East or wherever it comes from onto the island of Ofu, it's pretty ridiculous. And when you have the simple solution, which is to create energy on the island, it makes sense."
John Miller says his company has already gathered 80 percent of the funding needed, with the US federal government showing a keen interest.
Photo: AFP
