Majuro, Marshall Islands – In a historic leap toward energy independence, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has secured a game-changing grant equivalent to US$60 million from the World Bank (WB), building on the momentum of its achievements of the WB-funded Sustainable Energy Development Project (SEDeP). This landmark agreement – aptly named REGAIN (Renewable Energy Generation and Access INcrease) – launches an ambitious regional initiative to revolutionize power generation across the Pacific. As the first phase of the regional Accelerating Sustainable Energy Transition Multiphase Programmatic Approach (ASET MPA), REGAIN signals a significant turning point in the RMI’s journey from diesel dependency to renewable energy leadership.
The REGAIN Project, which aligns with the 2018 RMI Electricity Roadmap, will increase the share of renewable energy generation, improve electricity service in targeted islands, and strengthen the capacity of key energy sector entities, with a particular focus on gender inclusion. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Finance as the Executing Agency, the Marshalls Energy Company (MEC) will implement this impactful initiative over a six-year period beginning in late 2024.
REGAIN will significantly enhance the nation’s energy landscape by delivering targeted energy solutions across three major components, reaching from the population centers of Majuro and Ebeye to remote neighboring islands.
The first component, backed by $43 million, will modernize the power grids in Majuro and Ebeye to make them more resilient and capable of harnessing more renewable energy. MEC will install new solar panels capable of generating 8 megawatts of power, paired with 15 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage systems. These additions will complement the existing solar and battery systems being installed under the existing SEDeP project. The component also includes storm-proofing power lines and equipment, while adding new service vehicles and machinery to help crews respond faster to outages.
With $12.5 million in funding, the second component will expand clean energy access across six neighboring islands. In Arno Atoll, MEC will construct new hybrid systems combining solar and diesel power in both Arno and Ine islands. The project will also modernize existing diesel power plants in Jaluit, Wotje, and Rongrong islands by adding solar capabilities, significantly reducing their fuel consumptions. In Kili island, MEC will improve their power infrastructures, as well as install cash power meters on individual homes and buildings. Together, these improvements will provide reliable, clean electricity to more than 400 customers, including households, businesses, and community facilities across all six islands.
The third component invests $4.5 million in our people and institutions. This includes training local workers, with a special focus on creating opportunities for women through apprenticeships. MEC will also develop new regulatory guidelines and create a database to track our renewable energy progress, ensuring the project’s long-term success.
Jack Chong-Gum, Chief Executive Officer of MEC, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “I am deeply honored to lead our dedicated team in implementing this transformative initiative. REGAIN represents more than just a grant – it’s our promise of reliable, clean energy to every household or building we serve, from Majuro to our neighboring islands. Our team at MEC, to be supported by international technical experts, consulting firms, and specialized engineers, is ready and fully committed to successfully delivering all components of this program within the next six years. We will work tirelessly alongside these experts to learn from them as we build new solar installations, strengthen our power grids, and expand access to our neighboring islands. Together with our implementation partners, we will ensure the highest standards of technical excellence while building local capacity.”
The CEO added, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to our Government, particularly Minister of Finance David Paul, for their unwavering support and trust in MEC’s capability to manage this ambitious project. With the backing of our skilled workforce, our technical partners, and the confidence placed in us, I can assure our communities that MEC will turn REGAIN’s vision into reality.”
This project will improve daily life on our islands by helping reduce unplanned power outages by 25% and delivering reliable electricity to 33,000 people by 2030. In addition to benefiting homes and businesses, REGAIN will advance the Marshall Islands’ commitment to climate action, preventing approximately 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the project’s lifetime.
Detailed information about specific components and activities under REGAIN will be announced in the coming months. For the latest updates on project developments and implementation timelines, please continue to visit MEC’s website at www.mecrmi.com.
