NAURU — Nauru’s government says its push for cleaner, more reliable energy reached a key milestone with the commissioning of the 11kV control room for a new US$22 million, six-megawatt solar plant.
The Nauru Utilities Corporation said the control room has been officially commissioned, with renewable energy exports to the national power grid now increasing.
President David Adeang called the project a “game changer” and said it will put Nauru on track to achieve its goal of producing more than 50 percent renewable energy. He said the new power infrastructure will also help make Nauru less reliant on imported diesel fuel and strengthen energy security for households and businesses.
The solar plant is expected to reach full operating capacity of up to six megawatts—depending on weather—by January 2026.
The project is also expected to build local technical capability by training Nauruans to operate and maintain planned facilities, reducing reliance on foreign operators.
NUC said it expects the new solar infrastructure to improve the utility’s long-term profitability and contribute to a substantial reduction in emissions. NUC’s strategic plan, alongside the Nauru Energy Road Map, aims to reach 70 percent renewables penetration by 2030.
NUC CEO Anthony Dimapilis said the project’s benefits include improved energy security, long-term cost savings through reduced diesel imports, and progress toward national climate commitments.
