Region urged to tap renewable energy sources

With the rise in oil prices already affecting local economies within the region, Palau President Tommy Remengesau reiterated the option of possibly turning to non-traditional sources of energy in the future.

During an interview Saturday night, Remengesau explained that developing renewable energy sources, although expensive, is a worthy goal for the islands to focus on.

“We have the sun, the water, the wind, we have thermal energy available, so I think in the future, when these energies are more affordable and more applicable to our small size population, it would be in the best interest of our people to get into [developing] renewable sources of energy,” he said after holding his final rally on Saipan before Palau’s general election on Nov. 2.

“We’re spending a lot of money on energy, no doubt about it. All of our economies are affected by the sharp rise in oil fuel prices, and we’re on the other end of the world, so shipping costs add on to the high, rising prices.”

Remengesau said the move would result in “savings” for the various Pacific governments.

“With all these renewable options surrounding us, it makes perfect sense for us to get to that direction,” he said. “By doing that, it will not be a question on getting revenues, but saving money, which could then be used to fund other vital areas such as education and public health.”

Remengesau said that with the upgrade in technology, solar power systems and wind energy may be tapped in the future.

“Some people have the general idea that solar is just to light up one light bulb, but we have solar systems now that can generate enough electricity for the main energy needs of a household—refrigerator, freezers, air conditioner, even TV sets,” he said. “[And] wind energy is just so abundant around. I understand many Japanese firms have already upgraded technology on wind energy, and its available in Japan now.”

Remengesau said because of the various waterfalls on Palau, the island nation may also tap into hydroelectric energy.

“In Palau, for example, we have waterfalls that we could apply those systems, so its more of a mindset, a government national direction policy; it’s more of getting in touch with donor countries in the case of Palau, to fund the necessities capital required to put those things in place,” he said. “These are all options that we’re exploring.”

Environmental advocate

Remengesau also touched on solid waste management and the need for the regions to protect the environment, citing those reasons as vital to the promotion of Palau, as well as islands within the region, as tourist destinations.

“[Environment] is one of my main concern,” he said. “Palau has a responsibility to take care of its pristine environment as well as making sure that development will occur to benefit our people. You cannot talk about tourism without the environment. It is what lures people to Palau, so it’s the ‘Mother Goose.’ If you don’t protect the Mother Goose, then it will not lay the golden eggs.”

Palau, well known worldwide because of its ocean environment, was recently featured on CNN regarding environmental issues and challenges.

“I’m glad the story came out because that’s a special program on global challenges, and the future on Palau. It shows what challenges we’re facing in terms of balancing development and preservation of the environment.”

Further, Remengesau disclosed that Palau’s coral reefs are on a positive course.

“I’m glad to say our coral reefs are actually very much plentiful. Of course, there are areas that have been affected by manmade pollution, areas affected by El Nino and climate change and global warming, but nature has a way of replenishing itself. You have to give it the support that it needs and those are kinds of policies we’re doing in Palau to support environment,” he said.