American Samoa has taken a major step toward its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040 with the commissioning of a new solar-plus-storage system. EVLO Energy Storage Inc., a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec, recently completed the first of three energy storage projects on the islands of Tutuila and Aunu’u in collaboration with Eastern Power Solutions (EPS) and the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA).
The completed system—a 4-megawatt (MW), 8-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) with a 2-hour duration—is part of a broader initiative to support ASPA’s mission of delivering safe, economical, and sustainable utility services. Two additional projects with 5 MW/10 MWh and 1 MW/2 MWh capacities are expected to follow. Together, the three systems are designed to enhance grid resilience by enabling ramp rate control and smoothing solar photovoltaic (PV) output, critical functions for maintaining grid stability in an isolated region.
Sonia St-Arnaud, President and CEO of EVLO, stated:
“By providing robust, fully integrated BESS solutions and meeting clients’ needs wherever they are, EVLO ensures grid stability and supports the integration of renewable energy sources from mainland areas to isolated regions. This project demonstrates the mutual commitment we have, with ASPA and EPS, toward a cleaner future and a more resilient electrical network.”
American Samoa, a remote U.S. territory comprising five volcanic islands and two atolls, is heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels for its energy needs. The high costs and logistical challenges of fuel imports make renewable energy a particularly strategic priority. With a population of approximately 50,000, ASPA has been tasked with providing reliable utility services including electricity, water, wastewater, and solid waste management.
Since 2016, the American Samoa Renewable Energy Committee (ASREC) has aimed to transition the territory to 100% renewable energy by 2040, with a strong focus on solar generation. Situated in a region with high solar irradiance, the territory is well-positioned to benefit from solar energy paired with energy storage systems to address intermittency and provide energy security.
EPS Chief Operating Officer Scott Bonney noted the significance of the projects:
“With an international presence, we remain one of the most active companies bringing turn-key solar solutions to U.S. territories. The commissioning of this site illustrates the early achievements of our collaboration with EVLO and ASPA in solar and storage power generation projects.”
As the southernmost U.S. territory, American Samoa must generate all of its own electricity. With the new BESS infrastructure in place, the islands are not only better equipped to meet renewable targets but also poised to reduce dependence on volatile fuel imports and the risks they pose to affordability and reliability.
