Solar-powered electric car charging station opens

Apia, Samoa – June 24, 2024 – Last Saturday, the Samoan Government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), officially opened Samoa’s first solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Located at Friendship Park in Matagialalua, the charging station marks an important step towards sustainable transport and environmental management in Samoa.

The MNRE Electric Vehicle Solar Charging Station is a groundbreaking project designed to support the growing fleet of electric vehicles within government and, ultimately, the public. The charging station will play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy use throughout Samoa. The project is in line with Samoa’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26% by 2030 as outlined in the country’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (2019).^nd National Distribution Center (NDC).

Technical specifications of the station:

• Total cost: $240,000
• Charging facilities: Two Victron charging stations, each with a charging capacity of 22kW
  power supply:
• Solar panels (20kW capacity)
• Battery (40kW capacity)
  Smart Management:
• Victron Cerbo GX Controller
• Smart meter/4G modem for remote monitoring and data analysis.

The innovative design ensures that the EV is charged primarily using solar energy, with battery storage as a backup and grid power as a last resort. This setup ensures continuous, sustainable operation of the EV even during periods of low solar supply.

MNRE Minister Toeolesulusulu Cedric Salesa Pose Schuster stressed the importance of the project, “This initiative is not only a step towards modernizing our transportation infrastructure, but also a testament to our commitment to combat climate change.”

“By reducing our carbon footprint and embracing renewable energy, we are paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for Samoa.”

The Minister also highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project and thanked international partners such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Enviroearth and local engineering companies Vagana Electrical Engineering Solutions and Rasmussen Engineering Ltd for their expertise and dedication.

The establishment of the electric vehicle charging station is expected to serve as a model for future renewable energy and sustainable transport development in Samoa. It aims to inspire private businesses and organizations to adopt similar green initiatives, further contributing to the country’s environmental goals.