Who generates electricity in Kiribati?

Sector context. Grid-connected electricity in Kiribati’s capital, South Tarawa, is generated 4. and distributed by the Public Utilities Board (PUB), a state-owned electricity and water utility.

Why is electricity so expensive in Kiribati?

Of the 7,877 households in South Tarawa (44% of total households in Kiribati), 72.4% are connected to grid electricity. Access is largely for lighting, and that lighting is often insufficient, inefficient, and expensive. The high electricity cost has suppressed demand and has hindered growth in the commercial and tourism sectors.

Why are there no independent power providers in Kiribati?

Also, despite the potential for revenue generation from the high electricity costs, there are currently no independent power providers in Kiribati. Barriers to private sector investment include (i) lack of an enabling policy and regulatory framework, (ii) credit worthiness of PUB as an off-taker, and (iii) small transaction sizes.8

Does a battery energy storage system produce energy?

The battery energy storage system (BESS) to be installed accounts for a large portion (over 60%) of the cost and by itself does not produce any energy, but rather enables renewable energy to be utilized.

Why is Kiribati so expensive?

Kiribati’s remoteness from major markets and most resources leads to high import costs, while its low elevation - averaging only 2 meters above sea level - creates severe vulnerability to sea-level rise and other climate change impacts and natural hazards.

How did Kiribati get a grant co-finance?

The Government 24 Project Administration Manual (accessible from the list of linked documents in Appendix 2). of Kiribati requested grant co-financing equivalent to $3.7 million from the Strategic Climate Fund,25 and $2.0 million from the Government of New Zealand through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, both to be administered by ADB.